The Economist
News Highlights from Around the World, 1839 Edition
Leaders
Europe
The industrialization of Midlands continued however due to global demand for machine tools and a local shortage of labor, costs were far greater than expected. [-40,000 £, +5 Industry in 4 turns]
Efforts to expand the French Armaments industry are quite successful with many new manufacturies opening up around Lyon. Attempts to harness this new found manufacturing ability to better equip the army, however is a dismal failure as much of the money set aside for the project disappears... [-20,000 ₣, -2,500 gold, +2 Industry in 2 turns]
The Industrial Revolution is in full swing in the Netherlands
Eager to further the increase industrialization of Belgium, King William II, opens the Dutch treasury to finance the construction of new factories. The effort is less successful than anticipated as machinery was more expensive than budgeted. Efforts to connect Amsterdam to Antwerp and Brussels were successful, if expensive. [-54,000 ƒ, +2 Industry in 3 turns, +1 Infrastructure in 2 turns]
King William II also began program to introduce mandatory schooling for young children was extremely successful, as many young school children were schooled in Dutch. [-27,000 ƒ, +50 Base Income/turn, +6% Literacy]
The King desiring to reform his nation, instructs his ministers to begin drafting a constitution to reform the nation's government to create a parliament and constitutional monarchy along the lines of the British Parliament and monarchy. [1/5 Progress on new Constitution]
The Danish King, eager to continue the reforms started recently, convenes an assembly to draft a new Danish Constitution. He also disburses funds to finance the construction of a Parliament building to house this new august body. [-2000 Dkr, 1/5 progress on new constitution]
Students of the Sino-Danish Exchange Program
The Sino-Dannish Exchange Program ran into problems when the students arriving from China's papers were only in Mandarin. As these papers were unintelligible to the customs officer, the students were put to work in the docks.
King Karl XIV Johan of Sweden eager to have his nation's mineral wealth exploited, contracts a well reputed Swedish geologist to survey the country for valuable mineral deposits. Several major iron deposits are discovered in Southern Sweden. [-17,100 Skr, +500 Base income if mines constructed]
A Swedish Kammerlader rifle
Efforts to improve the Swedish Army also meet with success, as the introduction of the breech-loading Kammerlader rifle and training in its use, led to a greatly increased rate of fire among the Swedish Army. [-24,400 Skr, +1 Army level in 2 turns]
The King embarked on a tour of Norway, including a visit with the parliament of Norway. However, this tour was failure and incited the hatred of the Norwegian people. Fortunately, efforts increase the bonds of brotherhood between the Swedish and Norwegian people through schooling were more successful and to some extent counter acted the ineptitude of the Swedish King. [-12,200 Skr, +2% Literacy, relations with the Swedish people soured]
1839 witnesses a massive build-up of Russian soldiers in the Ukraine. The soldiers are drilled regularly in an effort to prepare them for an invasion of parts unknown... However, efforts to press more peasants into the service of the Russian Army only serve to increase dissent among the populace. [-20,000 руб, +1 Army level to Russia in 1 turn, -1 Stability]
The Tsar eager to continue the progress that had been previously made during his reign orders the construction of several new railroad lines connecting the major cities of European Russia. However, due to the influence of greedy nobles, costs skyrocket. [-12,400 руб, +1 Infrastructure in 2 turns]
Crossing the Angara at Irkutsk
Efforts to improve the situation in the Far East result in a diversion of funds to build up outposts in Siberia, including Omsk and Irtusk. Providing suitable outposts for further Siberian explorations and Eastward expansion of the Russian Empire. [-3,100 руб, +200 base income]
The King of Prussia, Wilhelm III, eager to continue the industrialization of his country begins to heavily subsidize the construction manufacturies in Saxony. The efforts were wildly successful, imposing a larger cost on the Prussian Treasury than expected. [-90,000 ℳ, +6 Industry in 3 turns]
Continued diplomatic efforts to promote the ratification of the Treaty of Frankfurt, spearheaded by Prince Friedrich Wilhelm were failures that only made the North German states less likely to sign the treaty. It also marked a downturn in the relations between Prussia and the North German states. [-7,500 ℳ, downturn in relations with North German states]
Desiring further increase the infrastructure of his kingdom, King Ludwig orders the foundation of the Bayerische Staatseisenbahngesellschaft with its first line connecting München and Augsburg. The inaugural trip is projected to take place in 1841. [-34,000 Bavƒ, +1 Infrastructure in 2 turns]
Efforts to promote a currency union among the German states meets with failure, as many states seem to prefer maintaining an independent monetary policy.
A Biermächen working the Hacker & Pschorr Breweries
King Ludwig also orders that government funds be given to Bavarian breweries to fund their expansion and modernization. The Hacker & Pschorr Breweries were two of the primary beneficiaries of this decree. [-34,000 Bavƒ, +2 Industry in 2 turns, +2 drinks]
The Bavarian Great Canal Cruise to inaugurate the completion of the Main-Danube Canal, began in Amsterdam and snaked its way through several of the major cities in Europe before eventually reaching the Black Sea, from which it continued on to Constantinople. The cruise greatly improves the prestige of the Bavarian Kingdom. [-8,500 Bavƒ, +25 Prestige]
The Eastern Railway Station of Budapest
Austrian Emperor Ferdinand, desiring to connect his imperial capital with the center of the Magyar lands, orders the construction of railway connecting Wien to Budapest. Construction of railway is proceeding faster than expected and is projected to be completed during 1840. [-23,700 Ausƒ, +1 Infrastructure in 1 turn]
1839 also attempts at land reform and the abolishment of serfdom in the Austrian Empire. Efforts to convince the nobility of reforming the land ownership system was astoundingly successful, with many nobles convinced of the need for land reform. The abolishment of serfdom was less successful, however serfdom was abolished in Austria, Tyrol, Kärten, Lombardy-Venetia, and Bohemia-Moravia.
Victor Emmanuel II, King of Sardinia and Duke of Savoy
Following the untimely demise of King Carlo Alberto I, his son and heir is crowned Victor Emmanuel II, King of Sardinia and Duke of Savoy. His somber, restrained coronation ceremony is held just a day before his father's lavish royal funeral, upon which no expense is spared. Following the funeral, the King embarks upon a grand tour of the nation in mourning black, impressing the citizens with his energy and filial piety. [-10,200 SP₤, +15 prestige, +1 Stability]
One of Victor Emmanuel's first acts as King of Sardinia is to institute mandatory education for all children under 12 across the Kingdom. While the majority of the new schools that open in Sardinia and Piedmont are sponsored and run by the Catholic Church, a few secular schools are also established in Turin. [-8,100 SP₤, +5% Literacy]
A multitude of trained engineers work to repave and straighten the neglected roads across the entire Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, resulting in a general improvement to the flow of commerce across the nation. Curiously, these engineers refrain from fraternizing with the local citizenry and are accompanied by a small military escort at all times. [-30,500 SP₤, +1 Infrastructure in 1 turn]
The Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont puts out a renewed call for volunteers to resist the 'insane King of Sicily', bolstered by the renewed wave of patriotism following Victor Emmanuel II's coronation. 22,000 men take up arms and join the Sardinian army, each wearing a black armband in honor of the late Carlo Alberto. [-8,100 SP₤, +22,000 Regulars]
Across all of Italy, persistent and disturbing rumors spread of atrocities committed by Austrian soldiers against Italian civilians and captured Sicilian soldiers. It is soon taken as an article of faith by most Italians that the Austrians are waging unrestricted war to establish a brutal hegemony over all of Italy and to put a Habsburg on the Sicilian throne. As a result, Austrian troops suffer from guerrilla attacks by Italian militiamen in Tuscany and Sicily, while discontent grows in Lombardy-Venetia. [-1 Stability to Austria, -4,000 Regulars to Austria]
In response to the growing discontent from his own subjects, Pope Gregory XVI nullifies the military access granted to the Austrian Empire against the Two Sicilies and refuses all attempts by Italian diplomats to grant them the right of passage through the Papal States. Until the violence in Italy has ceased, the Pope says, no armed force shall use Papal lands or Papal ports. [Papal States revokes military access to Austria, though it may still retreat through Papal lands if necessary, Papal States declares neutrality]
King Ferdinand II capitalizes on the growing anti-Austrian sentiment and puts out a renewed call for volunteers to take up arms on behalf of his Kingdom of Italy. 34,000 outraged Sicilians respond with a rousing cry of "Avanti Italia!" and enlist in the Italian army, many bringing their own rifles. [-12,600 TS₤, +34,000 Regulars]
Following the intensive recruitment efforts by the Kings of Sardinia and Sicily, the supply of able-bodied patriots in the Italian Peninsula has been completely tapped. Fields lay untilled and factories unworked as young men head off to the Tuscan and Sicilian fronts, leaving both nations lacking in crucial manpower. Any further efforts to harvest fodder for the Italian kingdoms' armies must be undertaken through forcible conscription. [-250 Base Income to Sardinia-Piedmont and the Two Sicilies, Sardinia-Piedmont and Two Sicilies unable to recruit Regulars for 5 turns]
The aftermath of the Second Battle of Lucca
In Northern Italy, a combined Austrian-Sardinian force of 58,000 men descends upon the Sicilian remnant in Lucca, numbering only 20,000. While the Austrian and Sardinian commanders believe themselves assured of an easy victory as they approach the Tuscan city, their expectations are shattered by the presence of nearly 15,000 Tuscan militiamen standing between them and the Sicilian army, which is in the process of loading itself onto naval transports. Rather than simply stand by and allow their escape, the Austrian commander sounds the charge and the Austro-Sardinian army meets the Tuscan militia, bolstered by a vanguard of 5,000 Sicilian troops, in a bloody, close-in battle outside the gates of Lucca. With qualitative and quantitative superiority, the joint forces' victory is indeed swift, but they're forced to stand by and watch while the other 15,000 Sicilians sail out of their reach and to the south. [-5,000 Regulars to Two Sicilies, -2,500 Regulars to Austria, -5,000 Regulars to Sardinia-Piedmont, Northern Italy liberated]
At the same time, Austrian general Josef Radetzky takes command of the southern army and marches directly for Naples. Under his direction, the Austrian army moves south at a swift pace, catching the Sicilian army completely off-guard when the two forces meet a few kilometers north of Caserta. In the ensuing battle, the Sicilians suffer two-to-one casualties and are forced to retreat in disorder. Radetzky orders a forced march, pursuing the disorganized Sicilians all the way to the fields of Naples. Led by Ferdinand II himself, the outnumbered Sicilian army actually launches a counterattack against the Austrian forces despite their sizable disadvantage and Radetzky is only too happy to oblige the King of Sicily. Unfortunately, his eagerness proves to be his undoing as the 15,000 soldiers from Tuscany make landfall directly behind his forces and march straight from the shores to the battlefield, leaving the Austrians outnumbered and outflanked. In the ensuing bloodbath, three-quarters of the Austrian force is killed, General Radetzky is captured, and the remaining 5,000 men only manage to make good their escape from Sicily by throwing down their rifles before reaching the Papal border. [-15,000 Regulars to Austria, -10,000 Regulars to Two Sicilies, -5% Equipment to Austria, Radetzky captured]
With the naval blockade in the Gulf of Taranto weakened by a partial Sicilian withdrawal to the Western Med, the Austrian Admiralty orders a bold sortie against the larger fleet. Though still slightly outnumbered, the Austrian navy has both the benefit of surprise and a more modern fleet composition, allowing them to break through the blockade at Istria and encircle a modest portion of the Sicilian fleet. With their blockade broken and the Austrian fleet reunited, the Sicilian fleet is forced to withdraw from the Gulf of Taranto, though their presence near the boot's "heel" prevents reciprocal action on the Austrian navy's part. [Blockade over Austria lifted]
Flag of the formerly British Ionian Islands
Desiring to support the new crowned Greek monarch, the British sign the Treaty of Athens. Fulfilling the terms of the treaty, the British transfer 10,000 ounces of Gold Bullion to the Greek Treasury and control the Ionian Islands. [-10,000 Gold to UK, +10,000 Gold to Greece, Ionian Islands to Greece]
The Greek Constitutional Council issues a report indicating strong and consistent progress toward a formal constitution, with several major topics conclusively settled over the course of the year and ongoing negotiations over individual rights, press censorship, and the role of the legislature. However, the length of the negotiations and continuously expanding size of the deliberative body comes with an increased cost to the royal treasury. [-6,600 ₯, 4/5 progress toward new constitution]
King George I of Greece issues a royal decree declaring that all government institutions are to be free of religious influence and that the Greek Orthodox Church shall be a self-governing body independent of the Crown. While the more zealous among the populace are unhappy with this new policy, the formal separation of church and state has a liberating effect on the nation's schools and its bureaucracy. [-1 Stability, +5% literacy, +100 base income]
The Royal Bank of Greece opens its doors in 1839 with a direct commission from the Hellenic Crown. The new Royal Bank is an independent institution charged with printing the drachma and regulating the flow of Greek currency. Despite a substantial initial start-up cost, the Royal Bank soon begins improving commercial efficiency across the nation. [-13,200 ₯, +250 base income]
The Grand Palace of Ajuda, completed in 1839
On orders from Queen Maria II, the full resources of the Kingdom of Portugal are brought to bear on the incomplete Grand Palace of Ajuda. In the next few months, rapid progress is made by sculptors, painters, and architects all working in a frenzy to please their new queen. As a result, the Grand Palace is finished ahead of schedule and the new royal residence stands as a breathtaking monument to Portuguese glory. [-16,300 P$, +30 Prestige]
Efforts by the Portuguese Admiralty to modernize their aging navy bear fruit, as the shipwrights in Porto and Lisbon labor tirelessly to extend a series of refits to the entire fleet. [-87,000 P$, +1 Navy Level in 1 turn]
Portugal's Ministry of Agriculture invests directly in a shipment of modern wheat threshers from the United Kingdom and has them distributed to domestic farms at a sharp discount. While this initiative results in a notable increase in agricultural efficiency, it's also quite expensive. [-32,600 P$, +100 Base Income]
North America
Desiring to expand the industrial base of the United States, Congress provides various tax incentives towards the construction new factories in Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, and Boston. The legislation proved costly to national treasury but it was surprisingly effective. [-$105,700, +5 Industry in 2 turns]
The Van Buren Administration, determined to protect American interests, authorizes a dramatic increase in the funding of the US Navy by 15% for the year of 1839, and another 10% in 1842. The impact of this increase in funding though it would take time for its impact to be felt, should dramatically improve the effectiveness of the US Navy. [-$33,800, +2 Naval levels in 3 turns]
A stained glass window in the new Buffalo Railway Terminal
Hoping to encourage further westward settlement, the Van Buren Administration subsidizes the construction of the New York Central Railroads efforts to connect New York to Buffalo. Though extremely expensive, the rail connection would bring many immigrants westward. [-$52,800, +1 Infrastructure in 2 turns]
The signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was heralded as great victory for the United States of America, one that greatly expanded the nation's territory and increased its prestige. To celebrate the nation's victory, Victory Parades are held throughout nation. [-$31,700, -18,000 Gold to USA, +15,000 Gold to Mexico, +3,000 Gold FRCA, +1 Stability to USA, +25 Prestige]
Efforts to establish a General Staff in Guatemala City and establish a disability pension for disabled veterans and war widows where by and large successful. The new General Staff was the more successful of the two, with the new General Staff greatly improving the efficiency of the Central American Army. The disability pension was successful in getting gaining support for the government. [-55,000 CAR$, +1 Army level in 1 turn, +1 Stability]
Desiring to improve the education of young people in Central America, the government orders the construction of schools across the country. These schools greatly increased the level of literacy amongst the population. [-39,500 CAR$, +5% Literacy]
South America
In Chile the government, after recent border problems with the Peru-Bolivian Confederation calls were made for an additional 15,000 men to be enrolled in the armed forces. The government managed to reach that number only a month after it announced the recruitment drive. [-14,500 Chi$ from Chile, +15,000 regulars to Chile,]
Elections were also held in the republic. After a long campaign Pedro O’Higgins, son of Bernardo O’Higgins emerged victorious over his opponent, Francisco Antonio Pinto. [+1 Stability to Chile]
A part of the Andes, the border between Argentina and Chile
O’Higgins first act as President of Chile was to order the Chilean Patagonian expedition back to the areas agreed to by the treaty with Argentina. This was very successful as it ensured Chilean control of that area. [Chile has a secure hold on OTL Chilean Patagonia]
Rosas embarrassed by the recent actions by the Liberals decided to accept the new Liberal Constitution as the Constitution of Argentina, and called on the Liberals to return. The Liberals, ever the idealists, choose to listen to the Dictator and returned to the country. True to his word Rosas prepared the elections and announced they would be held early next year, he also announced he would not be running. [Liberals return to Argentina, +1 Stability to Argentina, election mini-update coming soon!]
In Argentina Rosas ordered that construction commence on a number of mines in the Andes. This combined with the construction of railways and roads connecting Buenos Aires to Mendoza ensured that the new found Argentine wealth could reach the port. [-79,000 A$ to Argentina, +2,000 Base Income to Argentina, +1 Infrastructure in 2 turns to Argentina]
The Chilean flag flying over a mine in Argentine territory...
In the Peru-Bolivian Confederation Marshal Santa Cruz, realizing the hostility of the Peruvians to his government announced that the Republics of Northern and Southern Peru would be dissolved and in their place he would reinstate the Republic of Peru with Juan Manuel de Obregoso as President and himself as Supreme Protector. He also announced that he would be resigning as President of Bolivia and retain only control of Foreign Affairs and the military of both countries. Finally he decided that the new capital of the Confederation would be at the city of Cuzco which would be rebuilt as a fully modern city. This massively improved the stability of the Confederation and ensured it’s long term survival. [Peruvians happy with PBC]
In the Empire of Brazil an attempt by the Regent to reign in the power of the provinces failed as the officials in charge of the initiative were corrupt. [-10,500 R$ from Brazil]
The Regent also attempted to pass a law through the Chamber of Deputies increasing his power however this was defeated by the opposition.
The Regent also ordered the army to commence a new offensive against the rebels in Rio Grande do Sul. The Italian Legion under the command of Garibaldi managed, however, to destroy an isolated Brazilian regiment and then join with the main force of the Republic. They then managed to defeat the Brazilians who took heavy casualties before retreating. Garibaldi, deciding the Republic was safe for now, ordered his Italian Legion to prepare to head back to Italy to fight for its independence. [-1,000 regulars from Brazil]
British efforts to further colonize Patagonia continued. The British were able to colonize the entire area according the treaty signed with Argentina, however this comes at considerable costs. [-30,000 £ to UK, -20,000 Gold to UK, +20,000 Gold to Argentina, Patagonia colonized by UK]
Asia
Following an imperial mandate requiring that every male child know how to read and write, religious schools begin popping up across the Ottoman Empire. Though most of the boys' exposure to the written word is limited to the Quran, the Empire nonetheless sees a notable increase in its literate population. [-463,300 Ott£, +5% Literacy]
Newly recruited Ottoman Infantry
A massive recruitment drive begins across the Ottoman Empire, as the Sultan personally guarantees a basic wage and a small pension to any who join the Ottoman Army. The resulting turnout vastly exceeds the Ottoman Army's capacity to equip its new volunteers and the majority of the recruits are organized into a lightly-armed militia. [+10,000 Regulars, +20,000 Irregulars]
Efforts by the Ottoman Sultan to expand the Imperial Navy's frigate class are stymied by a lack of available facilities. In the end, only five new ships are completed by the projected date, with five more delayed until the coming year. [-631,700 Ott£, +5 Small Ships in 1 turn, +5 Small Ships in 2 turns]
Armed with a substantial budget and a zealous desire to impress his Sultan, the Ottoman Grand Vizier oversees a sweeping renovation and expansion of Constantinople's overcrowded residential districts, including refurbished sewers and repaved roads. By the end of the year, Constantinople is a roomier, less pungent locale and the entire Ottoman Empire takes pride in its modernized capital. [-631,700 Ott£, +10 prestige, +250 base income]
Muhammad Ali of Egypt puts out a call for volunteers to fight against the Ottoman Empire, casting the ongoing war as a climactic struggle between a fledgling industrial state against a decaying corpse of an empire. Inspired by the Governor's rhetoric and fearing another round of confiscations, the few remaining landed aristocrats in Egypt band together to help pay for the new soldiers' rifles and uniforms. [-112,100 Egy£, +10,000 Regulars]
Under orders from Muhammad Ali to increase his domestic support in the Sudan, Egyptian officials attempt to improve civic infrastructure in Khartoum and Omdurman. Unfortunately, widespread corruption and graft siphon off the allocated funds and leave the officials with little to show for their efforts. [-280,300 Egy£]
The court of Muhammad Ali in Egypt
In the wake of a particularly stirring speech delivered by Muhammad Ali in Cairo on the manifold sins of the Ottoman Empire, a large crowd of laborers and students forms in front of the Governor's Palace that evening, waving patriotic banners and proclaiming their support for Egyptian independence and the current regime's modern outlook. [1/4 progress toward Egyptian nationalism]
Agricultural yields in Egypt grow as modern farming techniques and equipment are introduced to fields along the Nile. [-224,200 Egy£, +100 Base Income]
The HMS Phoenix, part of the British force blockading the Egyptian Levant
In the Mediterranean Sea, the British squadron based at Malta joins up with the Ottoman Navy and imposes a total blockade on Egypt and the Egyptian Levant, bringing all water traffic in the Eastern Med to a complete halt. Despite the best efforts of British and Ottoman admirals, the Egyptian ships remain safely in port and evade or ignore any effort to draw them out. [Full blockade over Egypt]
The bulk of the Ottoman Army, about 40,000 men, advances into Egyptian Syria with every intention of forcing a decisive battle with the numbers on their side. Unfortunately, the 30,000-strong Egyptian Army has no intention of engaging in any kind of fair fight, instead pressing the Ottomans in a number of skirmishes before ultimately withdrawing from the region, relying on superior discipline and equipment to inflict disproportionate losses. The Ottomans eventually manage to push the Egyptians out of Syria, though by the time they reach Damascus they're suffering too heavily from attrition and fatigue to press the issue further. [-15,000 Regulars to Ottomans, -3,000 Regulars to Egypt, Ottomans occupy Egyptian Syria]
A second thrust against the Egyptian Army by 15,000 Ottoman cavalry based in Iraq is more successful and manages an even trade in casualties despite their qualitative and numerical disadvantage. [-5,000 Regulars to Ottomans, -5,000 Regulars to Egypt]
Following the establishment of the Anglo-Ottoman blockade, the Ottoman Empire attempts an amphibious invasion of Alexandria, deploying 5,000 men in an effort to seize Egypt's one major port. Unfortunately, the invasion force encounters a 10,000-man division of the Egyptian Army en route to Ottoman North Africa; despite inflicting some casualties on the enemy force, the invaders are quickly routed and dispersed. [-5,000 Regulars to Ottomans, -2,000 Regulars to Egypt]
The largely-intact Egyptian division goes on to begin the occupation of Tripoli, though the lack of decent roads and the harsh terrain slows their advance. [Egypt partially occupies Ottoman North Africa]
The latest expedition by Portuguese colonists into the islands west of Java disappears without a trace, including all of their supplies. [-5,400 P$]
The Dutch efforts in the Far East were more successful than the Prussian efforts. The skillful Dutch colonial governor of the Dutch East Indies, is able to extend Dutch influence over the entire coast of Borneo. Furthermore, he was able to convince the Sultan of Brunei to sign a treaty creating a protectorate, after considerable bribes. [-26,800 ƒ, -10,000 Gold, Bornean coast under Dutch control, Sultanate of Brunei is a protectorate of the Netherlands]
The settlement of Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand
Eager to further extend their global reach, the United Kingdom begins an effort to colonize the North Island of New Zealand. Accordingly, a settlement is founded on the North Island called Auckland. However, due to the remoteness of the location, the efforts prove to be rather expensive. [-20,000 £, North Island colonized]
The Prussian King, Wilhelm III, ordered the formation of the Royal Prussian Colonial Company, intent on establishing control over Yazhou pursuant to the terms of the Patent of Perpetual Peace and Friendship, and thus the establishment of a base in the Far East. Once the expedition reached Yazhou, they quickly set about creating the necessary control of the region and the improving infrastructure in the region. [-7,500 ℳ, +1 Colonial infrastructure in 2 turns]
Prussian attempts to provide military and industrial aid to the Great Qing were considerably less successful, as the navigator of the ship carrying the supplies was inexperienced and the charts inaccurate. The ship destined for Canton unloaded its supplies in Hue, greatly increasing the military strength of Dai Nam. [-11,900 ℳ to Prussia, +2 Army levels to Dai Nam, +15% Equipment to Dai Nam]
In China, attempts at further reform were stymied when the monies set aside to fund such efforts mysteriously disappeared from the treasury. When questioned, High Eunuch Zeng Guofa stated he would look into the matter when he returned from a brief vacation [-59,300 海關]
One of Japan's newer traditions, The Shoguns empty Cherry Blossom Festival.
As usual the Shogun organized a large Cherry Blossom Festival and, again as usual, a large portion of the Samurai failed to arrive. [-7,900 ¥ from Japan]
An attempt to open state schools was an abject failure as many school teachers refused to accept the Shoguns curriculum and only agreed to listen when the Emperor himself intervened. [-7,900 ¥ from Japan, -1 Stability from Japan, +3% Literacy to Japan]
Some of the new Japanese weapons
The Shogun also commenced to equip his army with brand new guns from the west however a large number of the weapons were stolen from the Edo armory. Rumor had it that the Emperor had ordered the theft and was equipping his own elite force with the weapons. [-12,000 ¥ from Japan, +1 Army level to Japan, Emperor has elite western style force under his personal command]
The Shogun also approached the Koreans and attempted to get them to sign a Crimson Seal Treaty, however fear of further encroachment on their independence by the Japanese led the Koreans to refuse to sign the treaty.
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). I'll try to be present here on the forums as well as on IRC, but the chances of this are slim. Sorry about the inconvenience, hope to get back into full activity soon.
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