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Rensslaer said:
what is the magnitude of those indemnities?
those trades with the USA should improve your efficiencies a lot. anything else you can do to reduce the percent of interest paid? i notice that your literacy is 81%. not bad.
anyone else you can trade with?that prestige is impressive!
what is your BB? i notice that you still have 17 provinces to add to become the greatest Prussia, or "Germany." those 17 provinces explain a lot as to why your daily income is (and, has been) lower than it should be! what plans do you have to "incorporate" them into Prussia?
what percentage of your population is North German? South German? may i suggest that you edit your game save file and add South German to your nationalities list? that would do two things. one, reduce your revolt risk in South German provinces, and two, increase your income/production in South German provinces (that is, with South German POPs.) personally, i am curious as to the change that alteration would make!
Ghostwriter (I still mean to respond to your e-mail... chaos reigns at home right now, but I should have time soon!), I'll have to check on the Badboy and Indemnities amounts. My impression is (thinking way back now) the indemnity was pretty solid. Amazingly so, from Denmark!
As for Badboy, I remember deciding at this point in the game that I wasn't going to worry so much about it. I'd already defeated most anybody who could hurt me!
Yes, the trade with the USA (mostly in commercial techs) really helped with the debt. I'm not sure over what period of time, but my interest rate went down by between 2-4% because of it. That's what really saved me.
Welcome Draculin! You and SeanB were concerned about my debt. Actually, 500,000 is small change for me! Prussia has been at war alot, and my budget management has been sorry at best. Prussia already (earlier -- 1863 or so) went through a bankruptcy (lost 1/2 factories, all stockpiles, 750 prestige, etc.) because of my level of debt. It's back up again, but certainly more manageable than before.
And Mr. Kiryevsky, you are cursed to have me refer to you with the Western spelling of your name so long as you persist in calling me Reni! So ha!
Thank you all, again! I'm hoping to have another couple updates this week... perhaps more! Next shall be a quaint interlude at a dinner party, with the return of Mr. Caprivi.
Renss
As for Badboy, I remember deciding at this point in the game that I wasn't going to worry so much about it. I'd already defeated most anybody who could hurt me!
Yes, the trade with the USA (mostly in commercial techs) really helped with the debt. I'm not sure over what period of time, but my interest rate went down by between 2-4% because of it. That's what really saved me.
Welcome Draculin! You and SeanB were concerned about my debt. Actually, 500,000 is small change for me! Prussia has been at war alot, and my budget management has been sorry at best. Prussia already (earlier -- 1863 or so) went through a bankruptcy (lost 1/2 factories, all stockpiles, 750 prestige, etc.) because of my level of debt. It's back up again, but certainly more manageable than before.
And Mr. Kiryevsky, you are cursed to have me refer to you with the Western spelling of your name so long as you persist in calling me Reni! So ha!
Thank you all, again! I'm hoping to have another couple updates this week... perhaps more! Next shall be a quaint interlude at a dinner party, with the return of Mr. Caprivi.
Renss
Prince Pietr van Rensselaer was always a popular man at the parties. His towering frame, handsome face, keen gaze and kindly manner endeared him to all – which, perhaps, was one reason why he was so successful as Foreign Minister, as well as advisor to the Kaiser. He made his way slowly through the clusters of people, nodding one way, raising his wine glass in salute another direction. Always smiling, confidently. His uniform, tonight, was a crisply pressed white and gray, rather than his usual Prussian blues. Since being elevated to the title of Prince of Prussia – not in line to the throne, but invested with all the extra status of such an illustrious position – he had forgone some of his more staid routines.
Rensselaer was exchanging pleasantries with yet another tall, attractive woman – of the sort who always tugged at the attentions of unmarried gentlemen, no matter her own marital status – when he spied General Leo von Caprivi across the room. His expression suddenly turned intent, and he excused himself politely from what was a rather dreary, one-sided conversation about the woman’s preferences for entertainment now that the brief Prussian summer was waning.
“General!” he called out in a lilting voice as he approached Caprivi and another conversant.
Caprivi’s face lit up when he saw the approaching prince. “Prince van Rensselaer, how pleasant to see you!” He extended his hand, which was met by Rensselaer’s two-handed grasp.
“My friend, Leo. I haven’t had the chance, yet, to congratulate you on your promotion. Those new tabs,” he said, peering at the golden general’s insignia on Caprivi’s collar, “fit you well.”
Caprivi chuckled. “You do me too much honor. They waited until it was safe enough to make me a general, now that the war is over.”
The two men – close acquaintances, not friends – bantered good naturedly for a while, and Caprivi introduced the man with whom he had been speaking before Rensselaer’s arrival. Eventually, the other man – a Swabian count who wished to ingratiate himself to a rising star in the Prussian nobility – moved on to cultivate others, and Rensselaer took the opportunity to lead Caprivi toward a quiet alcove.
The murmurings of the party muted as they retreated. No one was near enough to overhear their discussion, and because of the way the two men stood, it would have been apparent to the cultured guests that this was meant to be a private conversation.
“Leo,” Rensselaer began. “Please forgive me for approaching you with what might be considered a delicate request. Know that I would not ask it of you, were it not important to my work. And you are the absolute best source I can think of, because of your background.”
Caprivi smiled, warily but not evasively, as he had some inkling of what might be coming. Rensselaer noted the Kaiser’s advancing age, and the inherent nearness of the Crown Prince to the throne. He offered assurances that he need not ask for any inappropriate revelations from Caprivi, the Crown Prince’s former aide de camp. But it was necessary for Rensselaer to know some more intimate details of the way Friedrich Wilhelm viewed the world.
“I know that in the past,” Rensselaer led in, “The Crown Prince had expressed a love for the British form of government. Is there anything you can tell me of how this view may have changed over time?”
Caprivi had remained, as a colonel, the Crown Prince’s ADC up until the end of the war with England. He had moved on to command a cavalry regiment, and had then been attached to the General Staff, where he learned the intricacies of strategic level command. Since, he had been given command of the Magdeburg Cavalry.
“Please know,” Caprivi counseled, “that I would not be telling you this if I had the least feeling that you would use it against the KronPrinz. I remain ever loyal to the man, even until death. He is one of the greatest leaders I have had the honor to know. But, then, I do think very similarly of you.” Caprivi bowed, slightly.
“You do me great credit in the comparison, General.” Rensselaer returned the bow.
“As you know, the Crown Princess has a very forceful personality, and very definite views on government and…” He trailed off. “Well, let’s be honest – very definite views on Prussia!” The two men smiled broadly, and knowingly. “And I think it would be fair to say that the Crown Prince has often deferred to her point of view. But, ironically,” Caprivi observed, “Britain’s war with us seems to have driven their best ally in Prussia away from them.”
Caprivi, whose youth had in time given way to a vigorous maturity, creased his brow over the exact way to phrase what he had to say. “The war with England did not greatly harm the relationship between the Crown Prince and Princess. But it did drive a political wedge between them. The Crown Prince has ‘declared his independence,’ so to speak, on matters of government. I think their general philosophies and goals remain similar. He is a liberal, and I think he was so before he even met his wife. But he no longer expects Prussia to transform in emulation of Great Britain. He envisions a liberal Prussia, of Prussian character and temperament.”
“I will add,” Caprivi said, “since I think it is something that you need be aware of, that the Crown Prince harbors no small amount of resentment against Austria. He thinks they slipped away too easily, and he thirsts for revenge.” After a moment’s pause, he added, “Quietly and silently. As is his way.”
Rensselaer nodded, taking it all in. “Is there anything else you could tell me?”
After a bare moment’s thought, Caprivi said, “He believes Prussia should have a widespread colonial empire. And a navy to protect it.”
Rensselaer, whose insight was normally very solid, had found much to surprise him in this conversation. Indeed, the Crown Prince was a quiet figure, not easily given to open expression. And he was all things to all people in the perspectives of others. Caprivi’s reflections – borne of long hours and years working in close concert with the man – was the only point of view he could trust.
“Leo, thank you for your honesty. My faith in our future is renewed.” The men both bowed, formally, and Rensselaer took his leave.
Rensselaer was exchanging pleasantries with yet another tall, attractive woman – of the sort who always tugged at the attentions of unmarried gentlemen, no matter her own marital status – when he spied General Leo von Caprivi across the room. His expression suddenly turned intent, and he excused himself politely from what was a rather dreary, one-sided conversation about the woman’s preferences for entertainment now that the brief Prussian summer was waning.
“General!” he called out in a lilting voice as he approached Caprivi and another conversant.
Caprivi’s face lit up when he saw the approaching prince. “Prince van Rensselaer, how pleasant to see you!” He extended his hand, which was met by Rensselaer’s two-handed grasp.
“My friend, Leo. I haven’t had the chance, yet, to congratulate you on your promotion. Those new tabs,” he said, peering at the golden general’s insignia on Caprivi’s collar, “fit you well.”
Caprivi chuckled. “You do me too much honor. They waited until it was safe enough to make me a general, now that the war is over.”
The two men – close acquaintances, not friends – bantered good naturedly for a while, and Caprivi introduced the man with whom he had been speaking before Rensselaer’s arrival. Eventually, the other man – a Swabian count who wished to ingratiate himself to a rising star in the Prussian nobility – moved on to cultivate others, and Rensselaer took the opportunity to lead Caprivi toward a quiet alcove.
The murmurings of the party muted as they retreated. No one was near enough to overhear their discussion, and because of the way the two men stood, it would have been apparent to the cultured guests that this was meant to be a private conversation.
“Leo,” Rensselaer began. “Please forgive me for approaching you with what might be considered a delicate request. Know that I would not ask it of you, were it not important to my work. And you are the absolute best source I can think of, because of your background.”
Caprivi smiled, warily but not evasively, as he had some inkling of what might be coming. Rensselaer noted the Kaiser’s advancing age, and the inherent nearness of the Crown Prince to the throne. He offered assurances that he need not ask for any inappropriate revelations from Caprivi, the Crown Prince’s former aide de camp. But it was necessary for Rensselaer to know some more intimate details of the way Friedrich Wilhelm viewed the world.
“I know that in the past,” Rensselaer led in, “The Crown Prince had expressed a love for the British form of government. Is there anything you can tell me of how this view may have changed over time?”
Caprivi had remained, as a colonel, the Crown Prince’s ADC up until the end of the war with England. He had moved on to command a cavalry regiment, and had then been attached to the General Staff, where he learned the intricacies of strategic level command. Since, he had been given command of the Magdeburg Cavalry.
“Please know,” Caprivi counseled, “that I would not be telling you this if I had the least feeling that you would use it against the KronPrinz. I remain ever loyal to the man, even until death. He is one of the greatest leaders I have had the honor to know. But, then, I do think very similarly of you.” Caprivi bowed, slightly.
“You do me great credit in the comparison, General.” Rensselaer returned the bow.
“As you know, the Crown Princess has a very forceful personality, and very definite views on government and…” He trailed off. “Well, let’s be honest – very definite views on Prussia!” The two men smiled broadly, and knowingly. “And I think it would be fair to say that the Crown Prince has often deferred to her point of view. But, ironically,” Caprivi observed, “Britain’s war with us seems to have driven their best ally in Prussia away from them.”
Caprivi, whose youth had in time given way to a vigorous maturity, creased his brow over the exact way to phrase what he had to say. “The war with England did not greatly harm the relationship between the Crown Prince and Princess. But it did drive a political wedge between them. The Crown Prince has ‘declared his independence,’ so to speak, on matters of government. I think their general philosophies and goals remain similar. He is a liberal, and I think he was so before he even met his wife. But he no longer expects Prussia to transform in emulation of Great Britain. He envisions a liberal Prussia, of Prussian character and temperament.”
“I will add,” Caprivi said, “since I think it is something that you need be aware of, that the Crown Prince harbors no small amount of resentment against Austria. He thinks they slipped away too easily, and he thirsts for revenge.” After a moment’s pause, he added, “Quietly and silently. As is his way.”
Rensselaer nodded, taking it all in. “Is there anything else you could tell me?”
After a bare moment’s thought, Caprivi said, “He believes Prussia should have a widespread colonial empire. And a navy to protect it.”
Rensselaer, whose insight was normally very solid, had found much to surprise him in this conversation. Indeed, the Crown Prince was a quiet figure, not easily given to open expression. And he was all things to all people in the perspectives of others. Caprivi’s reflections – borne of long hours and years working in close concert with the man – was the only point of view he could trust.
“Leo, thank you for your honesty. My faith in our future is renewed.” The men both bowed, formally, and Rensselaer took his leave.
And a rich dessert it is, Renns!
Great work getting the RR network running and lowering that debt. It will take much time to get it at zero, but you can't be worried about that while Prussia continues to grow. I would suggest making sure you do not go to far above your BB limit. The worst thing that could happen is getting teamed up on by the other great powers, epecially as you are still trying to recover from the latest wars.
And a wonderful interlude above. Your writing continues to progress, and brilliantly so. I look forward to the day the Kronprinz inherits to see what he may do for mighty Prussia. Excellent work!
Great work getting the RR network running and lowering that debt. It will take much time to get it at zero, but you can't be worried about that while Prussia continues to grow. I would suggest making sure you do not go to far above your BB limit. The worst thing that could happen is getting teamed up on by the other great powers, epecially as you are still trying to recover from the latest wars.
And a wonderful interlude above. Your writing continues to progress, and brilliantly so. I look forward to the day the Kronprinz inherits to see what he may do for mighty Prussia. Excellent work!
Excellent Comrade Caprivi played Rensselear well.
The Kronprinz will little liberality spread with a Prussian flaovur, well German flavour anyway, when he appoints one Karl Marz as Chancellor!
*Renss great update not sure why I always try to promote the socialist in AARs I just love an underdog I guess*
The Kronprinz will little liberality spread with a Prussian flaovur, well German flavour anyway, when he appoints one Karl Marz as Chancellor!
*Renss great update not sure why I always try to promote the socialist in AARs I just love an underdog I guess*
coz1 said:
Well, this seems a popular line of debate! Naturally, with the Kaiser's advancing age, it is an important one.BBBD said:
So I shall post yet more grist for the mill... In just a moment.
Coz, thank you very much for your kind words! Ghostwriter, thank you also. And BBBD! Looking forward to seeing how the Rensselaers develop in YOUR world!
Renss
May, 1879 – (almost a year after Rensselaer’s conversation with Caprivi)
The Foreign Minister arrived by carriage at the Berlin practice field where the Potsdam Guards, and their commander, KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm, conducted their training and maneuvers. Rensselaer observed for a few minutes, watching for an opening to advance and be recognized.
The Prussian horse cavalry thundered around the field on their black and brown mounts. One white-as-snow charger stood aside, watching with its master. The KronPrinz’ aide de camp sat his tan horse near beside. Dust clouds drifted past them but they were heedless, intent upon any slight change that could be made for tactical advantage in battle. Rensselaer began striding in their direction.
By the time he arrived, the maneuvers had broken up, and Friedrich Wilhelm and his aide were retiring toward the white command tent. “Prince Rensselaer,” the KronPrinz greeted. “It is good to see you! What business have you?”
(Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm, shortly before becoming Kaiser)
Friedrich Wilhelm introduced Rensselaer to his aide, Major Reuben von Riedesel. “It is an honor to finally meet you, Your Highness,” Riedesel said.
After some pleasantries, Rensselaer got to the point. “I have discussed with the Kaiser, on two occasions now, an invasion of Egypt. He feels we are ready to ‘go beat them up again’ – his words – and expand Prussian control of the Red Sea area. Has he approached you about any of this?”
“He has not, but we are ready, should he choose to order it.” The KronPrinz’ tone betrayed that he hadn’t expected consultation. He never did, from his father.
“Your Majesty,” Rensselaer said cautiously, “May I inquire as to whether you approve of such plans? I fear that your father is motivated more from a desire for revenge than by any real objectives or needs.”
“Why not?” Friedrich Wilhelm asked. “Twenty-five years ago, those savages slaughtered not just our soldiers, but also our civilian settlers. We finished that war with little to show for our trouble, besides a weak promise to leave us alone in the future. Why should we not be motivated by revenge?”
Rensselaer was taken aback by the KronPrinz’ cold reaction. This, certainly, wasn’t the old Friedrich Wilhelm. The Foreign Minister had come in search of a moderating influence, but... Was this man even a liberal still?
“I understand your feelings, Your Majesty. My concern is whether or not we should give up on a decade of relative peace to undertake a major foreign military campaign. We still have problems with massive debt, which worsened the last time we found ourselves engaged in Egypt. I…” Rensselaer paused, sensing that his argument was not moving the KronPrinz at all. “I just fear that we are jeopardizing a decade of progress for the wrong reasons.”
The KronPrinz visibly bristled at Rensselaer’s condescending tone. A chill descended around the fire pit that stood in front of the command tent. Riedesel stood very still, his hands clasped behind his back, hoping to disappear into the background as these two powerful men engaged each other.
Friedrich Wilhelm began to expound heatedly, yet with direction and control. “Minister, you do not understand my feelings. And you do not understand war. Not as I do, from a quarter-century of campaigning.
“First off, revenge… When the first Prussian scouts investigated the scene of Yebuti Colony, after the Egyptian massacre, they found carrion birds and jackals still feasting off the rotting, weeks-old bodies of Prussian soldiers and settlers. Because there were so many dead, there hadn’t been enough time to finish eating them.” Rensselaer recalled a sterile sense of shock he and others in Berlin had felt at hearing of the atrocities at Yebuti. But he only now began to suspect the truth of the experience. “There were no bodies of women,” the KronPrinz went on, “because they had been sent north to be sold into slavery. These savages do not deserve our mercy. They deserve only our revenge. And if now is the right time to deliver it, then so be it.
“Further,” the KronPrinz continued, “considering that Prussia controls the Sinai and part of the Red Sea coast, we are bound to come into conflict with Egypt again. I would rather do so on our terms.”
He went on. Again, Friedrich Wilhelm surprised Rensselaer by expressing his developing vision for a colonial policy in Africa. “It is also an imperative that we establish a cordon of outposts and forts across the waist of Africa, to cut off British and Portuguese routes of expansion from south Africa. Expanding our control of the upper Nile valley would go far in connecting with our outposts in the Bight.”
Rensselaer, a man rarely at a loss for words, was. “Well,” he resigned himself to follow the policy of the Kaiser, against his better judgment. “I respect your worthy opinion, Your Majesty. If this is to be, then I know just the man to send into Egypt to reconnoiter for our attack.”
The Foreign Minister arrived by carriage at the Berlin practice field where the Potsdam Guards, and their commander, KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm, conducted their training and maneuvers. Rensselaer observed for a few minutes, watching for an opening to advance and be recognized.
The Prussian horse cavalry thundered around the field on their black and brown mounts. One white-as-snow charger stood aside, watching with its master. The KronPrinz’ aide de camp sat his tan horse near beside. Dust clouds drifted past them but they were heedless, intent upon any slight change that could be made for tactical advantage in battle. Rensselaer began striding in their direction.
By the time he arrived, the maneuvers had broken up, and Friedrich Wilhelm and his aide were retiring toward the white command tent. “Prince Rensselaer,” the KronPrinz greeted. “It is good to see you! What business have you?”
Friedrich Wilhelm introduced Rensselaer to his aide, Major Reuben von Riedesel. “It is an honor to finally meet you, Your Highness,” Riedesel said.
After some pleasantries, Rensselaer got to the point. “I have discussed with the Kaiser, on two occasions now, an invasion of Egypt. He feels we are ready to ‘go beat them up again’ – his words – and expand Prussian control of the Red Sea area. Has he approached you about any of this?”
“He has not, but we are ready, should he choose to order it.” The KronPrinz’ tone betrayed that he hadn’t expected consultation. He never did, from his father.
“Your Majesty,” Rensselaer said cautiously, “May I inquire as to whether you approve of such plans? I fear that your father is motivated more from a desire for revenge than by any real objectives or needs.”
“Why not?” Friedrich Wilhelm asked. “Twenty-five years ago, those savages slaughtered not just our soldiers, but also our civilian settlers. We finished that war with little to show for our trouble, besides a weak promise to leave us alone in the future. Why should we not be motivated by revenge?”
Rensselaer was taken aback by the KronPrinz’ cold reaction. This, certainly, wasn’t the old Friedrich Wilhelm. The Foreign Minister had come in search of a moderating influence, but... Was this man even a liberal still?
“I understand your feelings, Your Majesty. My concern is whether or not we should give up on a decade of relative peace to undertake a major foreign military campaign. We still have problems with massive debt, which worsened the last time we found ourselves engaged in Egypt. I…” Rensselaer paused, sensing that his argument was not moving the KronPrinz at all. “I just fear that we are jeopardizing a decade of progress for the wrong reasons.”
The KronPrinz visibly bristled at Rensselaer’s condescending tone. A chill descended around the fire pit that stood in front of the command tent. Riedesel stood very still, his hands clasped behind his back, hoping to disappear into the background as these two powerful men engaged each other.
Friedrich Wilhelm began to expound heatedly, yet with direction and control. “Minister, you do not understand my feelings. And you do not understand war. Not as I do, from a quarter-century of campaigning.
“First off, revenge… When the first Prussian scouts investigated the scene of Yebuti Colony, after the Egyptian massacre, they found carrion birds and jackals still feasting off the rotting, weeks-old bodies of Prussian soldiers and settlers. Because there were so many dead, there hadn’t been enough time to finish eating them.” Rensselaer recalled a sterile sense of shock he and others in Berlin had felt at hearing of the atrocities at Yebuti. But he only now began to suspect the truth of the experience. “There were no bodies of women,” the KronPrinz went on, “because they had been sent north to be sold into slavery. These savages do not deserve our mercy. They deserve only our revenge. And if now is the right time to deliver it, then so be it.
“Further,” the KronPrinz continued, “considering that Prussia controls the Sinai and part of the Red Sea coast, we are bound to come into conflict with Egypt again. I would rather do so on our terms.”
He went on. Again, Friedrich Wilhelm surprised Rensselaer by expressing his developing vision for a colonial policy in Africa. “It is also an imperative that we establish a cordon of outposts and forts across the waist of Africa, to cut off British and Portuguese routes of expansion from south Africa. Expanding our control of the upper Nile valley would go far in connecting with our outposts in the Bight.”
Rensselaer, a man rarely at a loss for words, was. “Well,” he resigned himself to follow the policy of the Kaiser, against his better judgment. “I respect your worthy opinion, Your Majesty. If this is to be, then I know just the man to send into Egypt to reconnoiter for our attack.”
Excellent update, the KronPrinz sure has hardened. I thought that he would lead the left to dominance when he ascended the throne. Looks like he means to crush anyone he considers an enemy.
Well I am sure that you will have better luck this time, is Egypt still uncivilized?
Well I am sure that you will have better luck this time, is Egypt still uncivilized?
great update Rens. Even as a reader I support fully the views of the Kaiser and the KP. Nothing motivate more than sheer revenge. The prince is going to send our young and dashing Joachim to Egypt isn't it?
Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Kaiser..
Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Kaiser..
Awesome, Renss!
Me thinks that if the Kaiser would actually sit down and have a heart to heart with his son, he would would soon find that the KronPrinz and he are now a lot closer than they used to be. For some reason, I don't think that's going to happen though, and more's the pity that, eh?
Me thinks that if the Kaiser would actually sit down and have a heart to heart with his son, he would would soon find that the KronPrinz and he are now a lot closer than they used to be. For some reason, I don't think that's going to happen though, and more's the pity that, eh?
It seems to me that Rensselaer had better starting brushing up on his British etiquette. I imagine the Brits might have a thing or two to say about another Egyptian adventure. But damn the coffers...seek your revenge!
Excerpts From the Diary of Prince Pietr van Rensselaer of Prussia, Appointee to Several Ambassadorships and Ministries of Prussia and the Kaiserreich
28th May, 1879 – Uncomfortably, I find myself struggling to understand the changes which are about to happen as one Kaiser surely gives way to the next. I am finding that none of us know the KronPrinz as we should. He has existed, in our minds, as a sometimes useful caricature. Rarely have we recognized him as his own man, though in hindsight it should have become obvious to us.
For the past forty years, the able Kaiser Wilhelm has surrounded himself with forceful ministers – Kauperke, Moltke, Roon – with the ability and wherewithal to make Prussian policy happen. We have largely had our own way. We’ve led our octogenarian Kaiser to the right conclusions, reinforcing his tendencies when we agreed with them, and turning him aside when we didn’t.
Not that the Kaiser is in ill health. He seems as strong as he did when he was sixty. But he cannot live forever. The legendary age of Kaiser Wilhelm will one day soon come to a close.
I sense that the Ministry’s control over events is coming to an end. I must admit, I did not see this coming. I – all of us – underestimated Friedrich Wilhelm. Perhaps we assessed him correctly at first – a soldier with little aptitude for subtlety, or for foreign policy or strategic considerations – but he has changed right under our very noses. With three decades of training, he has grown into his role as heir to the Imperial Throne.
I find that I am suddenly unsure of my territory. I hope that I may retain control of the ministry, but if I do not soon come to understand the KronPrinz, and anticipate him, my days at the reins of power may be ended.
If he intends to lead Prussia with as direct a hand as it seems he wills, then there may be no one with the strength to stand in his way. Not that I distrust his intent. He actually seems to have a firm grasp on the issues – sometimes he surprises me and perceives a situation better than I! But there may be a casualty of personalities as the change of command comes.
I pray that I will be found worthy to lead on, into the next decade. I sense that it will be a remarkable one, for Prussia.
28th May, 1879 – Uncomfortably, I find myself struggling to understand the changes which are about to happen as one Kaiser surely gives way to the next. I am finding that none of us know the KronPrinz as we should. He has existed, in our minds, as a sometimes useful caricature. Rarely have we recognized him as his own man, though in hindsight it should have become obvious to us.
For the past forty years, the able Kaiser Wilhelm has surrounded himself with forceful ministers – Kauperke, Moltke, Roon – with the ability and wherewithal to make Prussian policy happen. We have largely had our own way. We’ve led our octogenarian Kaiser to the right conclusions, reinforcing his tendencies when we agreed with them, and turning him aside when we didn’t.
Not that the Kaiser is in ill health. He seems as strong as he did when he was sixty. But he cannot live forever. The legendary age of Kaiser Wilhelm will one day soon come to a close.
I sense that the Ministry’s control over events is coming to an end. I must admit, I did not see this coming. I – all of us – underestimated Friedrich Wilhelm. Perhaps we assessed him correctly at first – a soldier with little aptitude for subtlety, or for foreign policy or strategic considerations – but he has changed right under our very noses. With three decades of training, he has grown into his role as heir to the Imperial Throne.
I find that I am suddenly unsure of my territory. I hope that I may retain control of the ministry, but if I do not soon come to understand the KronPrinz, and anticipate him, my days at the reins of power may be ended.
If he intends to lead Prussia with as direct a hand as it seems he wills, then there may be no one with the strength to stand in his way. Not that I distrust his intent. He actually seems to have a firm grasp on the issues – sometimes he surprises me and perceives a situation better than I! But there may be a casualty of personalities as the change of command comes.
I pray that I will be found worthy to lead on, into the next decade. I sense that it will be a remarkable one, for Prussia.
I am sure the Prince will adapt as all great ministers do. i hope though that the Fritz does have him executed for insuboardination.
Great update Renss, great depth of character!
Great update Renss, great depth of character!
Oh, I am sure Frederick Wilhelm will find an honored place for the Prince. But, of course, I can understand Rensselaer's worry.
You don't think he's going to fire the author???coz1 said:
Come on! Where's your suspension of disbelief?!
As for those of you who have been keeping track of this series of updates, I apologize for the sudden concentration on one character. Naturally, it's an important transitional period, but I'm sure it can be a little boring.
Coming up we have 1) a war, 2) a report on colonization, and 3) two new characterization interludes, with Prince Willy this time... Still not sure which order I will choose. I'll try to get some variety going.
Thanks again!
Renss
Rensslaer said:You don't think he's going to fire the author???
personally i think that it would be hard for anyone to "fire the author."
however, Rensslaer the minister and prince will soon find himself "retired."
perhaps his son could be his replacement? :wacko: so, how goes the war?
Excerpts from the early diary entries of Prince Nicholas, later to become Tsar Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia
18th July, 1879 – It was an enormous treat, today, when I got to spend time with Prince Willy. He and the Prussian Crown Prince have arrived for a week-long visit, and today Willy was rested enough from his travel to do something with me. Willy is four years older than I, and says that he will be joining the cavalry next year, and that he has already had some training. We spoke of this for some time. Then I invited him to play with me in the Summer Gardens. He told me of a book he had read, by a Frenchman, about traveling around the world in 80 days. We pretended to fly in airships and fight savages in the jungle, and were chased by Indians with bows and arrows. Finally, our adventure took us to the museum and I showed him the tunnels that stretch on forever underneath. Then, Willy said the same author had written about going to the center of the earth through volcanoes, and so we pretended to do that. We carried torches and fought dinosaurs until an angry man chased us out, yelling that he was going to tell Father! Unfortunately, he did, and Father was not so pleased. He took me aside and said Willy was “wild and foolish” and that he should act his age. And he got really angry when I told him what Willy had said about not wanting to marry Katarina, because she wasn’t pretty. Father said that I should pay more attention to my responsibilities and studies, instead of playing like a common child. Really, I think he just wants me to pretend to be an old man who works at a desk like his ministers, instead of any of the other more interesting and useful things I could pretend to be. He says I can join the cavalry when I’m older, but not if I don’t straighten up and do as I’m told.
19th July, 1879 – Went on a horseback ride with Willy today, through the gardens. I tore my pantleg on a rock wall we were climbing, and Father got very mad at us again. He said we’re not allowed to see each other without supervision. He said Willy is a dangerous young boy who will never grow up, and that I should stay away from him.
25th July, 1879 – I bade Willy farewell today. Although we hadn’t been able to do much but talk and play in my rooms for the rest of his visit, I told him that I would write, and he said he would like that. Father still hates him. I’ll have to find a way to send the letters without him finding out. I don’t know how Willy will get his letters to me.
18th July, 1879 – It was an enormous treat, today, when I got to spend time with Prince Willy. He and the Prussian Crown Prince have arrived for a week-long visit, and today Willy was rested enough from his travel to do something with me. Willy is four years older than I, and says that he will be joining the cavalry next year, and that he has already had some training. We spoke of this for some time. Then I invited him to play with me in the Summer Gardens. He told me of a book he had read, by a Frenchman, about traveling around the world in 80 days. We pretended to fly in airships and fight savages in the jungle, and were chased by Indians with bows and arrows. Finally, our adventure took us to the museum and I showed him the tunnels that stretch on forever underneath. Then, Willy said the same author had written about going to the center of the earth through volcanoes, and so we pretended to do that. We carried torches and fought dinosaurs until an angry man chased us out, yelling that he was going to tell Father! Unfortunately, he did, and Father was not so pleased. He took me aside and said Willy was “wild and foolish” and that he should act his age. And he got really angry when I told him what Willy had said about not wanting to marry Katarina, because she wasn’t pretty. Father said that I should pay more attention to my responsibilities and studies, instead of playing like a common child. Really, I think he just wants me to pretend to be an old man who works at a desk like his ministers, instead of any of the other more interesting and useful things I could pretend to be. He says I can join the cavalry when I’m older, but not if I don’t straighten up and do as I’m told.
19th July, 1879 – Went on a horseback ride with Willy today, through the gardens. I tore my pantleg on a rock wall we were climbing, and Father got very mad at us again. He said we’re not allowed to see each other without supervision. He said Willy is a dangerous young boy who will never grow up, and that I should stay away from him.
25th July, 1879 – I bade Willy farewell today. Although we hadn’t been able to do much but talk and play in my rooms for the rest of his visit, I told him that I would write, and he said he would like that. Father still hates him. I’ll have to find a way to send the letters without him finding out. I don’t know how Willy will get his letters to me.