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El Imperio Muerto: A PDM IAAR

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Cristóbal waves at the crowd of a few hundred that had gathered in one of Valencia's squares as he prepares to give another speech in his campaign across Spain.

Welcome, everyone!

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak in front of all of you, an opportunity I would not have had only one short year ago. But the events of last year and the negotiated settlement of reform has brought Spain further in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. Yet we are still far from having a truly free and democratic society. And that is why I am here to speak to you today. Now that the right to vote and elections have been secured, it is time to use our newfound representation to bring additional reform, to create a truly free press, to ensure that all votes are counted equal, and to end the harassment of parties and give each and every party an equal chance to win. However, the only way this can be achieved is if you put your confidence in the Movimiento por la Libertad and cast a vote for it in the coming election.

The MpL is the only party which will fight vigorously to expand the freedoms of the Spanish people, as it has done so for its brief existence. Just look at the organization that was put together which forced the King to compromise with the forces of reform and open up our nation to greater liberty and democracy even if this was in a limited fashion. But now that we have been granted the ability to bring change, it is time to exercise it and defend the freedoms we have been granted while seeking to further them even more. At the same time, we must ensure that businesses can operate freely without government intervention as for too long has the government sought to control our economy rather than allowing individuals to make economic decisions for themselves. We need to free up trade to allow prosperity to come from the open trade of goods to and from Spain. These freedoms, while economic in nature, are also fundamental to the freedoms which we can enjoy.

It is time to bring about change in the face of those forces which have for so long opposed it. We have far to go before we can reach a comparable level of freedom and democracy as that seen in Germany or Russia. But I am confident that we can, with time, reach it but only with your help. Voting for the MpL will ensure that further steps can be taken in our path to liberty and a strong democracy. It will not be an easy one, I will admit. There is strong opposition to further reform, opposition that we will need to overcome. But together we can make sure that the those men opposed to us and the King hear our cry for greater liberty, greater democracy, and greater justice.

Vote for Liberty! Vote for Democracy! Vote for Justice! Vote for the Movimiento!

~ Cristóbal Aldecanta, Leader of the Movimiento por la Libertad
 
Party: Liga Realista

The First Minister writes an address to the Spanish people -

"...And let it be known that I believe that political parties, as they have shown to act in many democratic countries, are an net negative influence on the political stability of a realm. I am not a partisan, I do not intend to be during these early years since a revolution. The last thing which we need is division, and this is what several men are attempting to foment in Spain, division. They wish to enforce partisan divides and polarize the people. For them, you are either with them or against them, there is no in between.

As First Minister, the party which I belong to first and foremost, is the party of men whom serve their country. I shall work with any Assemblymen who believes in the institutions of this nation, and in the Monarchy....

I shall not, however, be considered an independent. I do associate myself with one of these parties, having attended their meetings, one could consider me a member of this party. However, I am not going to throw away my duties for the sake of this party, and will be willing to lead a government under the King no matter what the composition of the Assembly may be...."
 
Name: D. Juan Inigo Esteban Bivero de Quevedo
Rank: Count of Davila and Fuensaldana, Viscount of Altamira
Occupation: Nobleman of means

Vote: MpL
 
((Private: Somberg))

Senor Aldecanta,

You have yet again made a speech, and you have yet again impugned the honour of the King - that you claim you "forced" His Majesty to take such an action or to not take another is beyond belief, and one that smacks of arrogance and sneering disloyalty. Do not repeat such statements.

Lastly, your remarks regarding the so-called "forces of change" must also ne'er be uttered again - it smacks of revolution and treason, something I am certain you are well versed in. Whilst on the matter of treason, I suggest that heed my advice in toning down the audacity of your rhetoric; this should coincide with a shift in your speeches, away from championing the "good" of your group to one acknowledging its past misdeeds. To continue whitewashing your group's actions before the people will not be tolerated again.

Lastly, I would suggest not using the term "justice" in your campaign slogan. Whilst I find the hypocrisy of forgiven criminals using such terms amusing, I do not wish for the name of one of y secretariats to be associated so thoroughly with those same delinquents.

Conde de Pontevedra
 
((Private))

Cristóbal throws the most recent letter from the Conde de Pontevedra into the fire while writing another speech with the same rhetoric as previous ones. He makes sure to mention "forces of change" as many times as possible and to continue mentioning "justice" in the campaign slogan.
 
Upon hearing that Aldecanta had ignored his requests, the Count of Pontevedra opts to take a far less amicable route, first by pressuring more liberal cities to refuse the MpL leader from speaking, and then further sending in secret police agents to foment riots and fights during Aldecanta's rallies, thereby allowing for the arrest of many an MpL supporter. He follows that up by, again, writing a letter to the liberal leader, asking for him to tone down the rhetoric - without the Count's trademark politeness.
 
((Private - approved by naxhi24))

The King, being above parties, did not state public support for any of the factions. However, various forces connected with the Court and the Palace have taken active measures to covertly assist some of the groupings aligned with the Royalist League. Payments have been made out from the secret court funds to a number of royalist associations and newspapers, the Lord Chamberlain has held private talks with a number of conservative and reactionary governors, viceroys and nobles encouraging them to form factions of the royalist party and promising the gratitude of the Court.

One of the materials that has been printed and distributed through the country with the secret financial help of the royal household was the following manifesto.

((Public))

People of Spain!

For decades Spain has been flourishing under the hand of the good Carlist Kings. The rule based on the Will of God and sincere and fatherly care has brought the Kingdom greatness, allowing it to rise from its knees. We saw the Realm triumph both during the times of peace and war, we saw Spain, humbled by Napoleon and radicals, once gain becoming a prominent European power, we saw Spain, which has lost many of its overseas possessions in the past due to internal disorders, building a new flourishing empire on the Dark Continent, we saw the Throne, in its mercy and wisdom, peacefully resolving disputes and eliminating injustices which in other countries caused bloodshed and strife. During these years everyone, whether he was big and small, could count on the Crown being attentive to its needs. The defense of the role and privileges of Nobility, the sanctity of the Clergy, the welfare of working people of all trades - our August arbiters have not forgotten anybody in their daily cares.

The creation of new institutions upon Royal command do not indicate the end of the old order and old traditions - nay, they are their continuation. The King, in His love and trust towards His subjects, wants them to participate in the formation of the new advisory body - and it is a duty of any honest subject who believes in the Divine Right of the Kings and the duty of obedience. should see this as honor and prove that they are worthy of it. It is our duty to ensure that the best, most loyal, most judicious end in this body.

But what party should one support? Why, is not it the best option to stand under the banner of these who from the first moment have indicated that their main and most important aim is the defense of the principles sacrosanct to all of us - principles which are the foundation of the Carlist Spain? The proud name of Royalists has been known since the turmoil of the French Kingdom - when the crusaders of the Cross and Crown have been fighting for their King against the forces of jacobinism and anticlericalism.

It is our firm belief that one enlisting in the Royal League is enlisting in the army of the righteous, enlisting into the legion protecting the Throne from the forces of disorder, the legion protectiong moral values, family and fatherland. If one is a friend of the King, a sincere Catholic and a Spanish patriot - join the Royalist League, the party of duty and reason.

Vote: Liga Realista
 
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Election of 1874​

The first ever democratic elections in the Kingdom of Spain since the 1820s were now open! Five parties would contest the newly created Royal Assembly, the legislature of the Kingdom that the King designated legislative power to along with the State Council, the house of the legislature that he appointed. 400 seats were created in this Royal Assembly, and 201 were needed for a party to achieve a majority. Each party had its own agenda, and each party represented a group of the population that wanted to see changes enacted.

The voting limits were to those of wealth. Only middle class citizens and up could vote. However, the rich and aristocracy had their votes doubled by the system, giving them a weighted advantage due to their wealth or status. Also, the compromise did not really establish a system where the government could not interfere with the election in some way, so one party was bound to be heavily funded and supported by the state apparatus. Another problem with the system is that the Royal Assembly had no power in creating the government or choosing a First Minister. The First Minister of Spain only needed the confidence of one man, King Felipe VI. It did not matter if the Assembly was for or against him, for their confidence was meaningless when creating a government. Thus, a reactionary could be First Minister in a legislature run by liberals. Yet, five parties were created anyway, and they would begin their campaigns in earnest.

The first of the five parties was the People's Party of Spain. Founded by the priest Don Francisco Pater de Valle, the People's Party was, in practice, a Christian Democratic Party. Due to the nature of the party, many clergy members sided with the PPS in the election, but that was really it. Not very many people caught onto the idea of a "Christian Democracy", like what the PPS was proposing. Thus, the PPS only managed to get a few seats in the Royal Assembly.

The second major party was the Red Movement. Founded by the Duke of Menocra in the Balearic Islands, the Red Movement, or the "Regionalists", were a party dedicated to one thing, further autonomy for the regions of Spain. This was a bit awkward since many regions had large amounts of autonomy, like having an assembly that 1/4 of was elected in each region. However, the Regionalists were very popular in the Balearic Islands, and in regions that claimed they deserved greater autonomy and to be seperated as their own regions. Even with this though, the Regionalists managed to secure only a few seats.

The third major party was Los Amarillos. This party was founded by the Marquis of Riojo. Originally this party had been a faction during the absolutist days of Spain. Los Amarillos was a centre-right party, much like the PPS. However, Los Amarillos did grab the attention of more than just clergymen. Many conservatives and liberals who did not side with the other two parties voted either "independent, or for the yellows", as one observer noted. Perhaps it was the prestige and respect the Marquis of Riojo had, perhaps it was his ability to draw in notable liberals like Manuel 'Lolo' Marino Sastre y Luna, Conde de Riner that saw him receive many liberal voters. Many seats would go to the yellows in this election.

The fourth major party was the Movimiento, the party that got this whole Royal Assembly created. The Movimiento however was in a rough spot. Many radicals and liberals who were imprisoned or fined by the state while its leader, Cristobal Aldecanta, walked free, refused to support the Movimiento. This did hurt the prospects of the party, but many still viewed the party as the only hope Spain had for a democratic and free future. The Movimiento would receive a large amount of votes, especially from regions like Granada and Andalucia, the bastion center of liberal activity in Spain.

Than there was the Royalist Party. The Royalist Party is what it sounds like, a party dedicated to the preservation of the tradition of the monarchy, Carlism, and conservatism. This party was founded by many former Carlist officials and military officers. While many viewed the party as the bastion of conservative tradition, the liberals stated that "the party is but an evolved form of the Carlist government of days old". That did not mean that they were popular. In-fact, many reactionary and conservative aristocrats called them "hypocritical", for partaking in this system. Many of the same aristocrats refused to vote, stating that they will not "vote for a party that bends to revolution", and out of hatred of the new system that has weakened their power in favor of the middle class.

The election would begin in earnest, and was set to begin in August. The Royalist though, had methods to make sure that they would beat down the other parties, especially the Movimiento, into submission. The Minister of the Interior utilized methods to make sure that parties said what he liked, did what he approved of, and anyone who ignored his demands would be met with harassment from the state. Aldecanta tested this system, and the Minister responded by asking liberal-aligned cities like Sevile to ban Aldecanta from speaking, as well as purposefully creating riots using the secret police to make excuses for arresting MpL supporters and possible voters. This caused backlash from the community as a whole. While many aristocrats slowly turned towards the Royalists for their harsh stance on the liberals, many middle class members turned back towards the Movimiento as a means to stop the harassment of their fellow liberals.

When election day came, and the results were finally procured, the following seats were assigned:

Royalists: 149 Seats
Movimiento: 120 Seats
Los Amarillos: 84 Seats
The People's Party of Spain: 25 Seats
The Red Movement: 12 Seats
Independents: 10 Seats

A hung Assembly would be convened...

l7IABUM.png

​
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Player Actions Needed: A coalition is wanted (but not needed) to form a majority in the Assembly. The King must also select a First Minister. It can be whoever he wants, but it would be wise to select a person from the leading coalition. I will give you all three days to do this. Penalties will be placed on Marschalk should he fail to select a government by the end of the three days.
 
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500px-coat_of_arms_of_spain-svg1.png



It was very noisy in the marble halls of the Palace of Zarzuela this day. The royal site which the King has graciously lent to the newly elected assembley was full of unusual clutter. The reporters of the various state newspapers were skulking near the doors with their notepads, not wishing to miss a word said at the opening of the Gran Audiencia. The governmental benches were full of various executive and court officials - a few viceroys, about a dozen provincial governors, a number of chamberlains, deputy masters of hunt and gentlemen of the bedchamber. In their flashy uniform, they were driven by curiosity and used all possible means to get a seat in the hall.

The King appeared fifteen minutes after the last royal assemblymen and state councillors took their seats. The halberdiers of the royal guard standing near the door saluted, as the Monarch walked towards the throne, specially placed for him in the center of the hall. Dressed in the dragoon uniform today, the King looked at the people who stood up as he entered attentievely. Then he started to speak, voicing his first ever address to the Gran Audiencia.

THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE 1874​

Good Royal Assemblymen and State Councillors,

Today We are to open the first ever meeting of this body, created by Our hand. We hope that in this institution We would find a worthy assistant that would help Us to develop Our beloved Realm and lead it to further greatness. People of different creeds, ways of thought and characters, nonetheless, should concentrate on one aim - serving Spain with zeal and sincerity. We would closely watch the activities of this body and its members, hoping that it may produce a new generation of public servants, men of great mind and great spirit.

We want to ask you for several things before you would take your offices. First of all, to remember that while some people in Our Kingdom do not vote in the general elections, you should still take care of their interests and needs. since We see all Our subjects, big and small, as Our children who have the right for attention from Our officials. Secondly, We ask you all, despite the difference in views that exists between you, to stay respectful towards not only the laws of this Kingdom and the Throne, but each other. Remember that you sit in Our audience, one of the highest organs of this Kingdom - and therefore appropriate tone would be demanded.

God be with you.

The King leaves the hall, after which the members of Gran Audiencia, under the orchestration of priests, swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown.

Soon after that new cabinet was promptly announced:​

First Secretary of State: Duque de Escalona (Qwerty)
Preisident of State Council and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs: Prince di Belmonte ((ML))
Secretary of State for the Treasury and Economic Affairs: Duque de Escalona (Qwerty)
Second Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Interior, Grace and Justice: Sr. de Correia y de Medinaceli (Revan)
Acting Secretary of War: the duties temporarily fulfilled by the Council of War with the final authority of First Secretary of State and the Crown
((All PC generals/admirals/top officers assigned by the Crown and President of Indies & Africa Council under the leadership of the Second Secretary of State as president and head))
President of the Indies & Africa Council: Marqués de Riojo (Dadarian)
Secretary for Church Relationships. Educational and Cultural Affairs: the Archbishop of Toledo ((Luft))
 
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((Private Revan and Mars))

A letter to the head of Law Enforcement of Spain from dissatisfied citizens of Granada

We, the citizens of Granada, wish to organize a march through the center of Granada in order to protest and raise awareness to the doubled vote of the aristocracy in elections, and to protest the middle class vote being less than the aristocratic vote. The municipal government of Granada has given us permission to do so after reviewing our case, and now we wish to seek permission from law enforcement. We swear that this act will not be violent or damaging to the city, and we shall make sure all rules set forth by the government are followed.

-A Granada Citizen
 

((To the Audience))

Due to the needs of privacy and security, particularly in all matters pertaining to security and the like, it is advisable that the estimable body adopt a policy conducive to such concerns.

Proposal for the Discretion of Voting and Discussion of Policy

All meetings of the Royal Audience shall be conducted in private, without press or public attendance.

Public discussion of said meetings is seen as a breach of trust and is subject to immediate censure. Continued violations will result in expulsion from the Audience.

-

((Private: Granada Citizen))

The proposed march, having been approved by the municipal government of Granada and reviewed by the Interior Ministry, is deemed acceptable; we shall of course maintain a small force of ministry officials to oversee the affair in conjunction with local police forces to ensure the entire process goes by swimmingly and without issue.

~ El Conde de Pontevedra

-

As Head of His Majesty's Council of War, I propose the implementation of HRH Infante Pelayo's articles detailing the expansion of both the army and navy to begin at an expeditious pace; our forces are, of late, notable smaller and poorly organised in comparison to the other Powers of the Continent, and this can and must be rectified. I ask that the various officers serving within the Council deliberate on the proper amount of troops to be levied, and the order of construction for our new warships; a petition for funding has already been sent to the Secretary of the Treasury, and I can assure you of the Interior Secretariat's full cooperation in any necessary public works - the expansion of dockyards, barracks, or otherwise, associated with the needs of this expansion.

 
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Don Francisco de Valle and his People's Party proposed acts improving the lives of the ordinary Spanish citizens, most importantly was de Valle's The Guarentee of Basic Education Bill, which was largely popular in Christian Democratic circles. De Valle's allies also proposed the Amendment to Assembly Procedures Bill, as a moderate alternative to the Royalist League's Proposal for the Discretion of Voting and Discussion of Policy.

The Guarentee of Basic Education Bill - La Garantía de la Saber compartido Decreto

BELIEVING that education in morality, language, mathamatics and history (popularly refered to as Saber compartido (Shared Knowledge) in Spain) is beneficial to and should be guarenteed for all Spanish children
BELIEVING that Religious Organisations - including but not limited to the Society of Schools, Monestaries and Churches of the Franciscan Church Order in Spain - form and should remain the building stones of such education
REALIZING that the Kingdom of Spain forms a pivotal role in providing, maintaining and improving the most basic education to all Spanish Children

RESOLVING that the Treasury of the Kingdom of Spain is legally bound to spend at least [50%] in times of peace and stability and [30%] in times of war and economic peril; to guarentee the continuation of this most useful education
Click to expand...

Amendment to Assembly Procedures Bill

BELIEVING that meetings and voting records of Members of the Royal Assembly on issues that concern the Spanish Citizenry without in anyway putting in peril the safety of the Kingdom of Spain should be public
BELIEVING that a Member of the Royal Assembly serves His Most Catholic Majesty by serving His subjects, who have elected said Member, and should therefore be judged on his actions, both verbally and during divisions, by his electorate to guarentee his servitude to His Majesty through servitude to His subjects.
RECOGNIZING that discussions in the Royal Assembly should in cases concerning the continued safety of the Kingdom of Spain and the Spanish People be able to be held in private.

RESOLVING that all verbal discourse and voting records of Members of the Royal Assembly shall be in the public domain, unless it is concerning issues for which His Majesty, First Minister, two State Secretaries, or two fifths of the entire Royal Assembly has requested to be conducted in private
Click to expand...
 
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Members of Los Amarillos present the following for debate:

Amendments to the Child Labour Act of 1871​

It is unfortunate that this noble-intentioned act has had a negative effect on the families of such children and the ability of those families to adequately raise some of their offspring, given the previous status of elder siblings as a bread winner. It has therefore seen in many cases an increase in poverty amongst some of the poorest.

It is also unfortunate that this results in inefficient use of the adult workforce, tasks that previously could have been handled safely by any child of average wit must now be performed by an adult who would be better employed in a task requiring either strength or skill not present in a child.​

It is therefore believed that some loosening of the regulation in this area would be beneficial to all parties involved.​

((Legal Child Labour))​

~*~​

Proposal for Free Trade

It has, for some considerable time, been a growing school of thought that the mutual benefits of a freer trade system outweigh the advantages to be gained by denying trade to ones rivals.

It is also believed that a policy of free trade would see an increase the capital available for ventures within Spain. For, whilst the efforts of the government are admirable, there can surely be little that can compete with the energy, determination and ingenuity of an entire nation.

I would therefore like to propose a debate on this topic.

((Free Trade Policy))​
 
((Private))

Granada

The silent marchers walked through the streets of the city. They marched carrying banners saying that "The middle class is outvoted", and "aristocrats have more sway". They were marching for the equality of the vote between them and the rich. They marched in columns. Overseeing them were local police officers and local government officials sent by the Minister of the Interior. They marched through the streets, slowly, with their banners up high and their signs raised up. People came out and watched, and some of them even started to walk with them. As they marched through the city, their numbers swelled, but they did not break into violence. They followed the rules the crown set out for them.

They marched, and marched. But then something happened. As witnesses described it, the marchers turned a corner and were met by a large group of men blocking the path of the march. The marchers stopped in front of them, some of whom were confused. Police officers on standby walked out in front of the marchers facing the opposing crowd. "Please step aside, these men have permission to march." said one of the officers. The group did not move. The officers looked at each other confused. A man walked forward from the group of men to the officers.

"How about you step aside." he said.

The officers looked at each other. One of them procured a letter. "This letter is from the Minister of Interior saying these people are allowed to march" he said.

"That old fool? He betrayed this country by selling out, and now they are letting them march? No, we wont have it." the man said as he tossed the letter to the side.

"Sir, if you wish to assemble in a counter-march, you must fill out the required requests." said the officer.

"No, we are not marching." said the man.

The officers looked confused. They decided to go back to the crowd, and tell them to go another way. They ordered the detour blocked off to allow the men to march around the opposing group. As the march circled them, they would deal with the blockading group. As the march slowly moved forward. The officers turned around and walked back to the opposing group. "The march is going to go around you. You will disperse or you will be arrested" said the officer.

"I dont think you understand officer..." said the man as he beckoned the opposing group. The group unholstered clubs, blunt objects, and even swords and began to move forward. "...there will be no march" he said, as he stepped aside, and a man in a mask clubbed the officer in the face...

---------------------------------

((Private Mars, Revan, Qwerty))

Sirs.

The Granada March has been interrupted by reactionary sympathizers. They ran in and started mercilessly beating the liberals with clubs and canes. Many liberals were severely wounded, and word is some of them were fatally injured. Surprisingly, the liberals chose to flee instead of fight back. Police officers, after some time, managed to stop and arrest a large number of reactionaries. We are not sure how to tell the public about this information though. We are currently trying to suppress the news at the moment, but we fear the survivors and witnesses could break the story at any minute across the country. I fear this could hurt the credibility of his majesty's crown if such acts are perpetrated under his rule.

How do you wish for us to respond?

-Granada Official
 
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((Private))

To the Municipal Government of Granada

I doubt this is much need to publicise this event; there is little impetus to go about shouting about random acts of disorder, indeed I would wager it causes far more harm than good. Punish those responsible for the immediate violence, and allow the officials from the Interior Secretariat to manage the rest.

Conde de Pontevedra


-


Assembly Publicity Plan: Proposal for the Discretion of Voting and Discussion of Policy
The Guarantee of Basic Education Bill: No
Amendments to the Child Labour Act of 1871: No
Proposal for Free Trade: No

Sympathetic as I am to the proposed education reforms, I cannot and will not vote in favour of them whilst the member’s other odious proposal remains in place – I suggest he shelve the measure if he desires broader support.
 
((Private, Government+Monarchy))

*A letter is given to a close member of the court, and procured to the King and members of his government*

To His Royal Majesty and His Government

Sirs, as you may have known, a terrible event has occurred in Granada. As a supporter of the Royalist Party in Granada, and one who knows the leader of the reactionaries who started this problem, I wish to express that me and my colleagues condemned their violence and offered support to the liberals as it is God's will that his children care for each other when they are hurt. As a man of God, I respect them, but as a Royalist, I wish to show that my ideology is better than the liberal ideology. Yet, the events in Granada have indeed spurred questions about things like democracy vs. absolutism, freedom vs. oppression, and many other things. I am sure as a Royalist, my issues on the matters of this nation are clear. However, if the government wishes to get in better light of the opposition's belief, and properly defeat them, the government should show in some form that their ideas are better than that of the opposition.

I propose a debate on the matter, between those supportive of absolutism, and those supportive of democracy. Get men supportive of both sides to write up constructive arguments and rebuttals to the other side, and make it a proper debate. Judges from outside of Spain should be called in to ensure the debate is judged fairly.

Trust me, your majesty, this will allow you to properly hear the arguments of your subjects more properly, and give royalists and liberals a chance to show their side of the argument. Perhaps the government could even influence some iffy-liberals to join the Royalist party?

-A Granada Royalist
 
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