1866: Player Report
The Americas
As 1866 dawned on the Americas, it was clear much was in disarray. Spain was invading the island of Hispaniola, fighting a desperate struggle against rebels loyal to the island's former governments, Mexico was embroiled within a civil war, and the United States itself had only just emerged from its own bloody internal struggles. It was as a result of this environment that people’s ideology began to change, and in no country was this change more pronounced than the United States of America.
Emerging from the bloodiest war the United States had ever fought, the populace became split between two futures for the foreign politics of the nation. Many encouraged isolationism, believing America could only be damaged by intervening in European politics, while others called for active intervention and an adherence to the seemingly forgotten Monroe Doctrine. It was in between these two ideologies that the American government balanced, unwilling to pander too much or too little to either side.
What was agreed upon by both sides, however, was that the American South was in desperate need of economic and political reconstruction, as it lay heavily damaged from the American Civil War. For the latter, all states were strong armed by the Federal government into ratifying the 14th Amendment, and, with military forces overseeing the former Confederate states, those states established proper voting legislation. Economic reconstruction, however, was a harder task to accomplish as, despite the best efforts of the Federal government, a few profiteers had made their way to the destroyed South, and rapidly brought up cheap land and resources which were needed if reconstruction was to succeed. After months of negotiations, the Federal government was able to convince the profiteers to sell excess capital goods to Southern locals in exchange for monetary compensation from the Federal government. Though it has yet to produce results, many in the South appreciate the government's effort, which is bolstering good will toward the North in the post bellum South.
However, the government's largest initiative during this time frame was the establishment of friendly relations with all nations in the Americas, with the intent to place them within the US sphere of influence. However, while American ambassadors were treated cordially and without grudge, few countries were willing to accede to American influence. As the States stood idly on the world stage, Europeans had once more began to exert control in the Americas, yet the United States did nothing. It was clear that, thought America had a high standing within the world, its voice lay stifled from disuse.
Below America, conflict continued to rage as the Mexican Empire fought against Republican forces. Under the cunning leadership of Marshal Bazaine, French forces trained the Mexican Empire’s Army and conducted several devastating operations on the enemy Republicans, severely lowering their number and morale. Maximillian's generals would also display their brilliance, as they similarly conducted even more cunning and destructive battles, which wreaked havoc upon the Republic. Unable to hold up against both onslaughts, Republican resistance to the Empire melted away and, by the end of the year, much of the former Republican government lay in hiding, and only small ill-equipped holdouts remained of those who continued to resist. Only a year after the US emerged from its brutal war, it seemed Mexico was also ready to embrace peace.
An Image depicting the Second Battle of Puella, 1866
However, while battles were waged, Maximillian also turned his eye to civil and economic reform. As the war left many destitute and homeless, the Mexican Emperor felt he had to relieve the poor through any means possible. Though it put him at conflict with his more conservative supporters, Maximillian ordered the construction of several poorhouses throughout the country in regions secured by Empire forces. The poorhouses would be paid for by the government and provide those unable to sustain themselves with food and shelter. With the Empire easily pushing back Republican forces, the poorhouses were able to be constructed in relative peace and with efficiency. By the end of the year, over 200 poorhouses had been constructed throughout the Mexican country side, with each housing at least 50 people. It was slowly becoming clear Maximilian was independent of his conservative backers.
However, the poorhouses also impacted the National Treasury and income. Running a deficit, Maximilian moved to raise tariffs hoping it would provide enough income to balance the cost of the poorhouses. Unfortunately, this would meet with little success. As the Mexican market raised its tariffs, many traders saw little need to trade with the higher prices and though the higher tariffs were sufficient to equal the income to before they were implemented, it did little to stem the country’s growing deficit.
Though the country was running a deficit, Maximilian ordered the army to be equipped with modern weapons and began to arm his forces with the newly developed and perfected Chassepot Rifle, imported from their patron, the French Empire. Utilizing top of the line weaponry and expertly trained by French forces, the Mexican military was fully established as a modern, though small, power within the Americas.
Maximilian would order one last command for the year. As the Republic was nearing defeat, he ordered officials to once more begin construction of the Paseo de la Emperatriz in Mexico City, a long curving road connecting the city center to his residence, Chapultepec Castle. Due to the administration being focused on other matters, however, little progress had been made on the road by the end of the year.
In the Caribbean, the Spanish administrations resorted to desperate measures to crush the Hispaniolan rebellion. On the island of Cuba, a highly important decision was made. Spain abolished the practice of slavery on the isle but, in return, the former slaves were expected to fight against the rebellion in Hispaniola. In early April, the first of these forces set foot on Spanish-controlled areas of Hispaniola and the Spanish began their march. Winning many initial victories, it looked once more as if Spain would defeat the rebels. Unfortunately for Spain, the morale of the former slaves would be tested and broken as the Third Carlist War diverted necessary resources from the Hispaniola conflict. By the end of the year, the rebels on Hispaniola had reclaimed their lost territories, and begun their advancement into Spanish-controlled territory.
Western Europe
On the mainland, Spain began two ambitious projects in the continued effort to restore Spain’s glory: the expansion of the Andalucian railway system and the attempt to once more establish a colony within the treacherous Congo Water Basin.
The first of these plans seemed simple enough, as the government planned to divert the steel industry of Toledo to the construction of the railway. Unfortunately, as the expansion began, the Carlists revolted, depressing the economy. With the economy becoming sluggish, steel production had to be diverted again, this time to the provision of armaments for Spanish soldiers. Without the steel required for the railroad, construction was halted almost immediately after it had started.
The colonization attempt worked much better. Making use of the liberated slaves, 1,000 of their number were sent to the Congo in the hopes of establishing a permanent settlement. On the journey, nearly 500 died from malaria and the harsh climate, but eventually, the settlement was established, providing a gateway to move deeper into the African wilderness. However, with Spain in turmoil, many wonder if the government will be able to provide for its newly acquired settlement.
The Carlist War did much to hamper the Spanish administration. With its economic impact, including the failed railroad project, the war has done much to scar Spain.
Though not as tumultuous as Spain, France experienced a mixed year. From their hosting of the German Conference, to the Papal Revolutions, and colonial disputes with Italy, it was clear France was at the forefront of global politics, with all the pros and cons that come with it.
As it became clear that the world was becoming more and more hostile, Emperor Napoleon III ordered the perfection of the newly developed Chassepot Rifle and its replacement of the inferior weapons of the army. As the German Conference came to an end, so did the rifle’s perfection. Efforts of mass production would surge throughout the Empire, but would be hampered by the siphoning of funds by corrupt officials. By the end of the year, only a quarter of the army would be in possession of the newly developed armaments.
Internal politics would also prove highly divisive within the Empire itself. The Emperor called for a government review of corruption and an overhaul of administration. Unfortunately, the tendrils of corrupt officials found their way into the overhaul, and the project did much more harm than good. More of the uncorrupt than corrupt were removed, and many of the newly appointed officials were less than scrupulous in their doings. With the French administration so corrupt, future government projects would certainly be hampered.
Running at the same time as the failed review was the expansion and connection of the sprawling railroads extending from Paris, as well as the expansion of many ports throughout the Empire and even the construction of 5 ironclads to bolster the famous French fleet. The former would prove itself highly successful, providing France with the burgeoning of a powerful infrastructure, providing easy transport between the French provinces. If the project were to continue its rapid expansion, having already unified the tracks around Paris, the project would be completed in only three years, a truly miraculous number. The growth of ports and the strengthening of the fleet, however, would only be semi-successful. With most of the government's focus placed on the railroads, the ports found themselves limited to only a minor expansion and only the construction of 2 of the 5 ironclads was completed.
An Ironclad Battleship leaves its harbor, 1866
Italy’s government announced only one plan for the year of 1866, its intention to unify the country’s sprawling railways, a remnant of its divided past. Though the government initially went into the process believing the railways could be fully unified, a series of logistical, economic, and political problems prevented the project from coming anywhere close to completion. The project was, however, successfully able to connect many of the minor railroads, laying groundwork for future unification.
However, the most decisive turning points in the year for Italy were the Papal Revolution and the shift in Italian foreign policy. As a sign of the growing nationalism in Italy, the Papal Revolution ended with Italian control over Rome and established rising tensions between Italy and the French Empire. Italian foreign policy in the year would be analyzed for years to come, as nationalist ideals spread their way into the upper echelons of the government. Claiming both the isle of New Guinea and the Melanesian region as territory under the Italian Colonial Empire, Italy once more wrought controversy as foreign delegates in turn each asserted their own political dominance within the region.
The Germanies
The early months of 1866 had seen the weak, uncentralized, German Confederation nearly torn apart as its two major member states, Austria and Prussia, turned to the brink of war. With Italy and Prussia allying against the Austrian Empire, it seemed to most that Central Europe was to be set aflame. It was only through intervention from the French Empire, and the resulting Treaty of Paris, that the Confederation was able to hold. Due to the treaty’s more controversial and harsh terms on Prussia, polarizing effects were seen between the German signatories.
Prussia would experience a wave of discontent as nationalists proclaimed Kaiser WIlhelm I and his Foreign Minister, Otto Von Bismarck, traitors to the nation. With the treaty demanding that Prussia disband much of its army, deserters had plagued the Prussian regiments, as over twenty thousand soldiers abandoned their posts, taking with them their uniforms and equipment. With so much equipment gone, it remains to be seen how Prussia will be able to recover.
Austria experienced an opposite effect, as many Austrians lauded the treaty and its negotiators. Austria would experience a rise in Austrian nationalism and national good will. With Prussia falling by the wayside, Austria has once more secured its title as the dominant power of Europe.
However, though the Treaty of Paris was signed, the Austrian monarch remained paranoid. Fearing that war in the Germanies would be inevitable, the Austrian monarch, Franz Joseph, ordered the construction of fortifications across both the Italian and Prussian borders. Though little was originally expected of the project, nationalists rallied to the cause, wishing to help their nation, with many of the wealthy even funding it out of their own pockets. As a result, the unofficially named “Franz Joseph Line” would be finished quickly, whereas many had expected it would take years. With hundreds of newly constructed forts, garrisons, and, mainly, barricades making up the line, Austria stood well defended from its western neighbors.
Franz Joseph was not fully satisfied with these fortifications, however, and began to internally prepare for war. A series of reforms and decrees began a partial mobilization of the army, and began to prepare the economy for a wartime environment. Factories preparing commercial goods slowly swapped to produce weaponry, ammunition, and army uniforms. The movement was supported highly in many of Austria’s central regions with jingoist propaganda lining the walls of many an Austrian city, however, in the regions of Hungary and Czechoslovakia, a fierce countermovement had begun to form.
With the country’s incredibly diverse population and with Hungary and Czechoslovakia opposing the moves for war, Franz Joseph ordered the furthering of the Austrian Germanization program. Knowing full well the political repercussions of the program, Franz Joseph sought the endorsement of local leaders, hoping it would placate the masses. This initiative was successful, with many minor leaders speaking out for further integration into Austria. Though he managed to win the support of many of these minor leaders, a coalition of leaders against the program formed in Budapest, proclaiming that they will only accept autonomy and nothing else. Regardless, the effects of the program are not to be seen immediately and it will take many years before the program is completed.
Scandinavia
The aftermath of the Treaty of Paris was seen throughout Scandinavia, as many applauded the treaties requirements of a referendum in Schleswig-Holstein. With the Kingdom of Sweden-Norway’s stand against the militant Prussians, many Scandinavians believed Sweden offered a new path forward for Scandinavia. For the first time since the Danish loss of Schleswig-Holstein only two years prior, Pan-Scandinavianism was once more on the rise.
This increased interest in a Scandinavian Union would dominate relations between Sweden and its neighbor Denmark. Believing in the merit of further connections between the two countries, Sweden sought out approval from the Danish government, as well as wealthy capitalists, for their investment into a massive railway between the nations. Though the investment would be made immediately, the patrons would be paid back over the course of ten years using funds generated from the railways. The government would receive the patronage of several wealthy capitalists as well as the a sizable investment from the Danish government. With the project well funded, Sweden and Denmark jointly set out to construct the railway in mid April. Though it will take around over a year for the nations to be fully connected, many believe it will further diplomatic relations between the countries dramatically.
Railroad Construction Workers in Sweden, 1866
As well as this, the Swedish gentry also made another highly important decision, and ordered the abolishment of the Riksdag of the Estates, replacing with a democratically elected Riksdag. The Riksdag functions as a parliamentary body or elected officials and gentlemen throughout Sweden. This body is meant to help govern the realm and provides a Prime Minister and Cabinet for the King. The elective body is split into two bodies. The First Chamber is indirectly elected by county and city councillors, while the Second Chamber is directly elected by universal suffrage. Elections for the newly formed government are to take place in 1866. Many see the new parliament as Sweden ceding to the demands of the country’s liberal elements, however, few know what the outcome of the elections will be.
The country’s increasing liberalism would also be shown through the establishment of The Jordbanken System, a series of banks meant to provide farmers and landowners with loans of farming and agricultural equipment. The farmers are then to pay off the loan through a small percentage of their crops each year, and, after paying off their debt, eventually own the equipment. The system would prove popular with many farmers, with many taking loans out from the established banks. However, it remains to be seen whether the system is fully sustainable, with its critics believing the loans may become to unwieldy for the government to collect.
As well as this, Sweden was no exception to the war fervor that spread across Europe. Believing that Sweden would need a strong naval force to protect the nation’s interests both domestically and abroad, the Riksdag of the Estates would order a massive investment into the navy before its dissolution, calling for the replacement of all Swedish ships with ironclads and cruisers. Such an investment was highly ambitious, and would prove too much for the government to handle. Unaware of where to spend the money, much of it would be wasted through mismanagement. However, what money was invested was able to end in the release of three new ironclads and four cruisers.
Eastern Europe and the Middle East
Following the end of its reformation project, the Ottoman Empire continued to advocate for a much more unified nation. This image would be broken by the Poll Revolts of 1866 as hundreds of thousands objected to the Empire’s new elections, calling them a sham and merely another method of government control. Though these revolutions would sometimes end in bloody conflict, such as the Slaughter of Varna, many revolters would put down their arms after seeing a surprisingly fair election result. Regardless, the revolts would shape the Sultan’s agenda, as he furthered efforts to unite the country’s conflicting ethnicities.
During and following the revolts, the Emperor waged a small propaganda campaign throughout much of the Balkans, donating to local towns, releasing speeches, and having newspapers gush over the Emperor’s generosity. Much to the Emperor’s surprise, the campaign would prove to be truly effective, as, by the end of the year, many independent writers also began to discuss their own love of the Emperor, nicknaming the unusually popular Abdulaziz “the Reformer.” With many articles praising the relatively free Ottoman elections and the Sultan’s personal response to the Slaughter of Varna, it seems the Ottoman central government is more popular than ever before.
As the propaganda campaign was waged, the Emperor also unveiled another attempt to unite the people. Seeing the many Balkan citizens who joined Ottoman troops as they attempted to retake Varna from extremists, the Sultan personally commended the most valiant of the fighters, and proclaimed the creation of the two Brother Brigades. Formed from those who fought with Ottoman soldiers at the Siege of Varna, the group was composed of ethnicities from all across the Empire. Regarded as national heroes, even some of the Empire’s most cynical critics have lauded the brigades for their actions during the siege. A symbol of unity in a divided Empire, they pose a symbol of a hopeful future.
The Ottoman Empire would create two educational courses for the purpose of educating the Empire’s workers in how to work in Western factories. The first was a week long introduction to basic machinery and was free for all to take. It was established as to take the burden off of local businesses, as they no longer had to educate their workers, and would prove successful in many regions. The second course was two to four weeks long and was instead focused on landlords and factory owners, however it cost money for the workers to take. Teaching how to better make use of their land and how to maintain their machinery in the hopes of increasing raw products produced throughout the country. The effects of the course are not yet apparent on Ottoman society, but analysts believe the country may expect up to a 10% increase in industrial production in the following year.
Even aside from the Poll Revolts, the Ottoman Elections would be a subject of deep debate. With no political parties in formation, voters voted on ideologies and popularity rather than a candidate's loyalty. The election received a surprising 78% voters turnout, much higher than any had expected. As candidates were elected to power, Ottoman politics became increasingly fluid as elected viziers formed loose coalitions drifting from one group to the next. One topic on which the viziers were united on however, was the adressment of Balkan autonomy and even independence.
Ottoman Coalition Membership as of December 31: Purple: Balkan Nationalist Green: Balkan Autonomy Red: Ottoman Union Blue: Modernization Coalition
While the Empire enjoyed a year of peace, their neighbor, Persia, prepared for war. The Persian Empire entered the year with only two goals in mind, the reformation and modernization of the military and asserting its dominance over its neighbors, both things condemned by its Ottoman neighbor and their allies. In the prospect of the modernization of the Empire’s army, it would find an unusual ally, China. Promised military support and resources, the Empire began a wide range of military reform and attempted to provide its troops with superior equipment in order to prepare for a coming war. The reforms would prove rudimentary at best, but laid the groundwork for future modernization, however, the Empire found itself hard pressed to be able to replace the equipment of all of its army.
However, though the Empire’s modernization failed, Persia issued a declaration of war against its weaker neighbor the Khanate of Khiva, believing it to be an easy target. This action would receive international condemnation from many, however, the war would continue. Despite Persian expectations of an easy war, the military soon found their enemy to be more cunning than expected and with many victories pyrrhic in nature. By the end of the year, however, and despite mass casualties, Khiva lay under siege. With the war drawing near its end, the world lies in wait as furious foreign diplomats deliver horrifying ultimatums to Persian generals.
Asia
Admiral Roze's ship leaves Nagasaki for the Korean Peninsula
As Choson refused to respond to French negotiators, and as the lives of precious priests may lay in the balance, the French Empire launched a military expedition with the goal of seizing all of forcing the Koreans to a parley. For a month, scouts traced the borders of the Kingdom searching for any sign of weakness, and finally they found one. Landing on Ganghwa Island, one which controlled the Han River, the troops quickly took over the city of the same name and several strategic positions on the isle. Two landing parties were sent onto the continental Korea, hoping to secure the monastery of Munsusansong in the hopes of pushing onto the Choson capital of Seoul. Unfortunately, each attempt was driven back by Korean defenders, though not without many casualties among the Choson soldiers. Limited to Ganghwa island and with winter drawing in fast, support for the expedition collapsed amongst many of the soldiers. Following a report that the two missing priests had been located and were safe, Admiral Roze felt that they could no longer continue with the expedition. Issuing a retreat from the isle, Roze wrote that the severe casualties suffered by the Choson had avenged the loss of the French missionaries and that “the expedition greatly shocked the Korean Nation, by showing their claimed invulnerability was but an illusion.” The French had fully retreated by the end of December, suffering only the loss of two lives and 40 injured in the conflict.
January 29, 1866, a most peculiar date in Asian and global history. The Chinese Regent and the young Emperor found themselves enthralled by the liberal tendencies that had been so prevalent in Europe. After consulting with the Emperor for many days, and against the best wishes of the Chinese court, the Chinese Regent, Prince Gong, declared an end to the Authoritarianism that had previously dominated China. Ratifying a new constitution, the Prince declared the government to be a parliamentary monarchy, and, in a surprising move, that elections were to begin immediately. Forming his own party, the Royal Party, the Prince waited for the elections to conclude. However, never before had the citizens of the Empire voted, and with the capital so far away and unconnected, a political apathy swarmed the peasants. Out of the gargantuan Chinese population, only ten million, less than 10% of the Empire’s population, would vote in the election. This meant that mainly only those already in power were elected, leading to the Royal Party, led by Prince Gong, and the Imperial Party, led by the Empress, dominating Chinese politics. The only other party to be elected would be the dark horse National Party, a group of jingoist xenophobes who believed the Europeans should be expelled from the Middle Kingdom.
The new constitution also decreed many new reforms ranging from educational to social, and the Royal party would make them its top priority. Despite this, the Emperor's new government proved to be too weak, too underfunded, and too uncentralized to follow through on its promises. Funding was pumped into ambitious projects, yet they would all fail, leaving the Chinese countryside littered with not even half finished railroads. Political infighting would further weaken the Middle Kingdom, as the Imperial and National parties battled against the Royal party for control. Sensing the government's weakness, many of the Empire’s fringe territories are showing dangerous signs of separatism. Should the Empire remain weak, it is likely that it shall descend into the fires of revolution.
These fires would only be stirred as several unfair treaties were signed willingly by the Chinese Diet. With many territories being given away and the Emperor supporting far away wars, the people began to feel discontent with the government. The Nian rebellion, which had been well on its way to being put down, now surged with members, forcing the Qing armies onto the defensive. With the Nian rebellion demanding an end to the Qing Dynasty, many suspect that the new government may well be on its way to collapsing.
The Three Chinese Curiae, Lower, Middle, and Upperclass respectively, Purple is the Royal Party, Green, is the National Party, and Red is the Imperial Party
