A shorter AAR this time, using IGC 2.3 Normal/Normal. Kalmar Union is the only change (just to see what it's like).
Zagloba
Zagloba
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Chapter IV
From Columbus to the First Ottoman War
At the time of Columbus's discoveries in America, the Republic of Venice stood poised between greatness and decline. It controlled an extensive territorial empire, both on the mainland, and in the Mediterranean. The Venetian sack of Constantinople in 1204 had provided the territory, but the Serene Republic was looking increasingly over-extended against the powerful Ottoman empire. Meanwhile, large monarchical states were taking shape around her. Within a decade at the start of the 16th century, the Turks had delivered a crushing blow to the power of the Mameluke sultanate - events which must have been watched with great concern on the Rialto.
Further afield, Russia and France were on the march, the Russians sweeping up the Khanates, last remnants of the Mongol Hordes of centuries before. France was expanding aggressively into what is now Germany, annexing the Duchy of Lorraine before moving into the small principalities of the Holy Roman Empire.
Such blows as were struck for the small state in this period tended to be against weakened opposition. The Kingdom of Ireland - in reality, little more than an alliance of anti-English chieftans - was formally recognised by the English in 1506. Ukraine fought a short but unsuccessful war of independence against a Poland convulsed by repeated civil wars. A civil war in the Kalmar Union resulted in the independence of the Kingdom of Norway in 1512.
The main historical trend of this period, however, was the slow beginning of colonisation in America. The Republic tried to take part in this trend, but with little success outside Santee and Carolina, where trading posts were established.
In the Old World the Republic used its military and diplomatic resources to good effect. An alliance between Hungary, Brandenburg, Bavaria and (after 1510) Milan presented a strong front against the Turks, while Venice's conquests against the Mamelukes provided the alliance with a a second front against the Sublime Porte.
The two Mameluke wars, in which Venice rushed to grab territory from the crumbling sultanate, were the foundation of Venetian power in North Africa. Typically, the original cause was the desire to protect Venice's trading interests in Alexandria. The Turks had smashed the Mamelukes in 1493, taking most of modern Israel from them in a lightning campaign. Realising that their former friends in Cairo would not hold out long against Ottoman power, the Venetians began, with their usual lack of sentimentality, to take what they could get from them before the Turkish axe fell.
Both Mameluke Wars were declared in the aftermath of a Turkish attack on the Sultanate. The first (1498-1501) resulted in the cession of Alexandria and the Delta - securing Venetian trading interests. The Second (1507-1510) resulted in the final extinction of the Sultanate at the hands of its former friends. By unspoken agreement with the Ottomans, the Venetians took Cairo and all Mameluke territory on the continent of Africa, while the Porte took Sinai and beyond.
Such a friendly arrangement over the corpse of the Sultanate, however, should not be taken as indicative of rapprochement between the two east Mediterranean powers. Venice still saw itself as the heir of Byzantium (ironically, given its prominent role in Byzantium's downfall). The Doge proudly entitled himself "Lord of a Quarter and a Half-Quarter of the Roman Empire". Where the Venetians had the titles, however, the Ottomans had the power, and it was soon brought to bear on the Republic.
The First Ottoman War (1523-1530) was the first major test of the Republic in the post-Columbus era, and it was a trying time. A large ottoman army under Suleyman took Istria and Illyria, while smaller Venetian armies held, at various times, Hellas, Kosovo, Samaria, Judea and Sinai. Every merchant and trader in the Republic was forced to lend large sums to the state, and over the long course of the war Wallachia lost its independence to Hungary, before being recaptured by the Turks. The Republic was mortgaged to the hilt by the time the war ended, with one contemporary chronicler recording that rich noblewomen competed with each other in poverty of dress, ostentatiously showing their loyalty to the Republic.
From all this effort, the net gain was the poor desert area of Sinai, ceded to the Republic by the Turks in April 1530. The Hungarians - whom the Turks had originally attacked - fought on, infuriated by the Venetian betrayal. The Republic, however, had exhausted its considerable resources, and needed time to rebuild. Soon, the loans extorted from the citizenry would fall due for repayment - the consequences of which will be related in the next chapter.
From Columbus to the First Ottoman War
At the time of Columbus's discoveries in America, the Republic of Venice stood poised between greatness and decline. It controlled an extensive territorial empire, both on the mainland, and in the Mediterranean. The Venetian sack of Constantinople in 1204 had provided the territory, but the Serene Republic was looking increasingly over-extended against the powerful Ottoman empire. Meanwhile, large monarchical states were taking shape around her. Within a decade at the start of the 16th century, the Turks had delivered a crushing blow to the power of the Mameluke sultanate - events which must have been watched with great concern on the Rialto.
Further afield, Russia and France were on the march, the Russians sweeping up the Khanates, last remnants of the Mongol Hordes of centuries before. France was expanding aggressively into what is now Germany, annexing the Duchy of Lorraine before moving into the small principalities of the Holy Roman Empire.
Such blows as were struck for the small state in this period tended to be against weakened opposition. The Kingdom of Ireland - in reality, little more than an alliance of anti-English chieftans - was formally recognised by the English in 1506. Ukraine fought a short but unsuccessful war of independence against a Poland convulsed by repeated civil wars. A civil war in the Kalmar Union resulted in the independence of the Kingdom of Norway in 1512.
The main historical trend of this period, however, was the slow beginning of colonisation in America. The Republic tried to take part in this trend, but with little success outside Santee and Carolina, where trading posts were established.
In the Old World the Republic used its military and diplomatic resources to good effect. An alliance between Hungary, Brandenburg, Bavaria and (after 1510) Milan presented a strong front against the Turks, while Venice's conquests against the Mamelukes provided the alliance with a a second front against the Sublime Porte.
The two Mameluke wars, in which Venice rushed to grab territory from the crumbling sultanate, were the foundation of Venetian power in North Africa. Typically, the original cause was the desire to protect Venice's trading interests in Alexandria. The Turks had smashed the Mamelukes in 1493, taking most of modern Israel from them in a lightning campaign. Realising that their former friends in Cairo would not hold out long against Ottoman power, the Venetians began, with their usual lack of sentimentality, to take what they could get from them before the Turkish axe fell.
Both Mameluke Wars were declared in the aftermath of a Turkish attack on the Sultanate. The first (1498-1501) resulted in the cession of Alexandria and the Delta - securing Venetian trading interests. The Second (1507-1510) resulted in the final extinction of the Sultanate at the hands of its former friends. By unspoken agreement with the Ottomans, the Venetians took Cairo and all Mameluke territory on the continent of Africa, while the Porte took Sinai and beyond.
Such a friendly arrangement over the corpse of the Sultanate, however, should not be taken as indicative of rapprochement between the two east Mediterranean powers. Venice still saw itself as the heir of Byzantium (ironically, given its prominent role in Byzantium's downfall). The Doge proudly entitled himself "Lord of a Quarter and a Half-Quarter of the Roman Empire". Where the Venetians had the titles, however, the Ottomans had the power, and it was soon brought to bear on the Republic.
The First Ottoman War (1523-1530) was the first major test of the Republic in the post-Columbus era, and it was a trying time. A large ottoman army under Suleyman took Istria and Illyria, while smaller Venetian armies held, at various times, Hellas, Kosovo, Samaria, Judea and Sinai. Every merchant and trader in the Republic was forced to lend large sums to the state, and over the long course of the war Wallachia lost its independence to Hungary, before being recaptured by the Turks. The Republic was mortgaged to the hilt by the time the war ended, with one contemporary chronicler recording that rich noblewomen competed with each other in poverty of dress, ostentatiously showing their loyalty to the Republic.
From all this effort, the net gain was the poor desert area of Sinai, ceded to the Republic by the Turks in April 1530. The Hungarians - whom the Turks had originally attacked - fought on, infuriated by the Venetian betrayal. The Republic, however, had exhausted its considerable resources, and needed time to rebuild. Soon, the loans extorted from the citizenry would fall due for repayment - the consequences of which will be related in the next chapter.
Zagloba different style of writing an AAR and different approach in leading Venetians.
Keep up, it's an entertaining reading!
Btw, you should visit Ariel's AAR - he asked you about your honeymoon
Keep up, it's an entertaining reading!
Btw, you should visit Ariel's AAR - he asked you about your honeymoon
Chapter V
From the first Ottoman war to the liberation of Jerusalem
While Venice was recovering from the financial strain of the first Ottoman war, the Turks, who now shared a border with Austria, declared war on the Austrian alliance with Baden. After a short war, the Turks gained Styria and Carniola.
Although the Venetians were pleased by the humbling of Austrian power to their north, the Sublime Porte now had a border with the province of Venice itself. Another attack was inevitable, and after the loans from the first Ottoman war had been repaid, the Republic set about building up its armies and preparing for the Ottoman attack.
As it turned out, the Republic had another war to fight before the Ottoman attack came. The Republic had expanded its alliance to include Poland and Moldavia, so when Russia declared war on Poland in April 1542, the Republic found itself in the middle of a war with Spain. To add to their woes, the Turks saw their opportunity and, in June, declared war on Hungary. Poland and Moldova refused to join the war against the Turks - understandably given their problems with the Russians - and the Republic permitted them to remain part of the alliance.
The double war saw foreign armies outside Venice for the first time in many years. Mantua, Corfu, and Crete were all controlled by Spain at various times. Eventually, the Spanish left empty-handed after Poland forced a peace with Russia (receiving Tula).
The results of the Turkish war were good for the Republic, but for most of the war, such a good outcome could not be guaranteed. The principal Turkish army, commanded by Suleyman himself, captured Istria and Illyria in quick time, before inexplicably turning away from Venice to attack Pest. Venice had more success on the southern front, with their Alexandrian army capturing Jerusalem in 1544, and a small army led by the Venetian hero da Raguso capturing Constantinople itself in early 1545. It was this victory that enabled the Venetians to gain good terms from the Turks. In the treaty of Pest (June 1545), the Republic received Jerusalem and the gold-producing region of Styria. The Hungarians, again, fared worse - losing Pest and Transylvania.
Da Raguso returned to Venice with great honour, and was despatched to Jerusalem as podesta. Had he not died the following year from dysentery, he would almost certainly have become Doge. As it was, his portrait can be seen on the left of the wall-painting the capture of Constantinople in the Ambassadors' Chamber in the Ducal Palace.
From the first Ottoman war to the liberation of Jerusalem
While Venice was recovering from the financial strain of the first Ottoman war, the Turks, who now shared a border with Austria, declared war on the Austrian alliance with Baden. After a short war, the Turks gained Styria and Carniola.
Although the Venetians were pleased by the humbling of Austrian power to their north, the Sublime Porte now had a border with the province of Venice itself. Another attack was inevitable, and after the loans from the first Ottoman war had been repaid, the Republic set about building up its armies and preparing for the Ottoman attack.
As it turned out, the Republic had another war to fight before the Ottoman attack came. The Republic had expanded its alliance to include Poland and Moldavia, so when Russia declared war on Poland in April 1542, the Republic found itself in the middle of a war with Spain. To add to their woes, the Turks saw their opportunity and, in June, declared war on Hungary. Poland and Moldova refused to join the war against the Turks - understandably given their problems with the Russians - and the Republic permitted them to remain part of the alliance.
The double war saw foreign armies outside Venice for the first time in many years. Mantua, Corfu, and Crete were all controlled by Spain at various times. Eventually, the Spanish left empty-handed after Poland forced a peace with Russia (receiving Tula).
The results of the Turkish war were good for the Republic, but for most of the war, such a good outcome could not be guaranteed. The principal Turkish army, commanded by Suleyman himself, captured Istria and Illyria in quick time, before inexplicably turning away from Venice to attack Pest. Venice had more success on the southern front, with their Alexandrian army capturing Jerusalem in 1544, and a small army led by the Venetian hero da Raguso capturing Constantinople itself in early 1545. It was this victory that enabled the Venetians to gain good terms from the Turks. In the treaty of Pest (June 1545), the Republic received Jerusalem and the gold-producing region of Styria. The Hungarians, again, fared worse - losing Pest and Transylvania.
Da Raguso returned to Venice with great honour, and was despatched to Jerusalem as podesta. Had he not died the following year from dysentery, he would almost certainly have become Doge. As it was, his portrait can be seen on the left of the wall-painting the capture of Constantinople in the Ambassadors' Chamber in the Ducal Palace.
Venice is doing very well against the Turks. How about a bit of work in Italy, though? If the French have not captured Milan yet, you could try to diplo-annex them.
I'm on the case, although their persistent refusal to honour their alliance with me is annoying me somewhat. Now that I've managed to pay off my vast debts from the first Ottoman war, I can resume regular payments of the bri... er ... gifts to the Duke of Milan.
Zagloba
Zagloba
Zagloba old chap. Good to see you back with a fresh tale to delight and entertain us. Also good to see a different approach - an immediate assault on the Holy Land rather than a concerted effort to mop up the Italian peninsula - interesting. But will it bring long-run dividends once both Turkey and Persia start looking to your holdings there, as I suspect they might..?
Quick question - how's the navy holding up? I've found that the cost of replenishing naval losses far outweighs the cost of replacing troops in the early stages of the game, and as Venice has such a far-flung Empire to defend, surely you must be losign a few ships to the Turk in the process? And what's the main thrust of your research effort?
Quick question - how's the navy holding up? I've found that the cost of replenishing naval losses far outweighs the cost of replacing troops in the early stages of the game, and as Venice has such a far-flung Empire to defend, surely you must be losign a few ships to the Turk in the process? And what's the main thrust of your research effort?
Ariel, nice to have you along. Thanks for the good honeymoon wishes - the trip was wonderful, and I will be making a point of annexing the Cyclades in all future games (perhaps not those as the Iroquois).
As to my strategy, I'm a little concerned about the long-term security of my African possessions, particularly since I now have a border with the Hedjaz (allied with Persia). However, I hope to out-develop them, and there's always Reformed as a religion choice...
My research is spread more or less evenly at the moment, although I just had a 50% drop in infrastructure thanks to a bunch of insolent artisans. That might mean a brief campaign on infrastructure. Longer-term, my research has been boosted by the conquest of Styria, but I want to get out east and try for a trading empire in the South China Seas.
Ship attrition - tell me about it. The only way I was able to force peace with England (the Mamelukes' allies) after the Ms' annexation was to send a task force of 40 ships with large number of troops to invade Ireland and force a peace. 20,000 men, 30 cannon and 40 ships left - 2 ships and 17 cannon returned. Won't make that mistake again.
Zagloba
As to my strategy, I'm a little concerned about the long-term security of my African possessions, particularly since I now have a border with the Hedjaz (allied with Persia). However, I hope to out-develop them, and there's always Reformed as a religion choice...
My research is spread more or less evenly at the moment, although I just had a 50% drop in infrastructure thanks to a bunch of insolent artisans. That might mean a brief campaign on infrastructure. Longer-term, my research has been boosted by the conquest of Styria, but I want to get out east and try for a trading empire in the South China Seas.
Ship attrition - tell me about it. The only way I was able to force peace with England (the Mamelukes' allies) after the Ms' annexation was to send a task force of 40 ships with large number of troops to invade Ireland and force a peace. 20,000 men, 30 cannon and 40 ships left - 2 ships and 17 cannon returned. Won't make that mistake again.
Zagloba
Re - Campaign in Ireland. Ouch. Commiserations. You know, it doesn't look that far from Venice to Eire on the map, but I too have noticed that the naval attrition kicks in early during the first 100 years of the game and if you don't have a handy ally's port to park your vessels in you can end up - quite literally - sunk. At least North Africa is only a short journey south...
CHAPTER VI
SPAIN'S BANKERS
The years after the Second Ottoman war were peaceful in Venice. Venice's anti-Turkish alliance was reformed slightly, with Hungary dropping out and the newly-independent Netherlands joining, but on the military front there was no activity other than occasional rebellions on the Greek islands.
It was during this period that the Venetians and the Spanish became close financial partners. The court in Madrid had always had a need of money to fund its overseas colonisation, and the Venetians had money to provide. From a small base, the Venetians were soon diverting their entire annual tax revenue into loans to Spain, which - repaid with interest - were once again loaned to the Spanish. By the simple passage of time, the Venetians' state revenues were greatly increased, and soon industrial development was taking place, with a naval manufactory built in Mantua and a refinery in Candia (Crete). The interest from the many Spanish loans also enabled the Venetians to rebuild their fleet, shattered after the disastrous Irish expedition in the wake of the Second Mameluke War.
Elsewhere, the Austrians went to war with Turks in 1553, with Austrian ally Bohemia taking Carniola and Pest from the Turks in the ensuing peace treaty. The French occupied the English Marches, which they were granted by the Treaty of Berwick (1555). In 1561, the Aztec Empire was finally extinguished by the Spanish conquistadors.
SPAIN'S BANKERS
The years after the Second Ottoman war were peaceful in Venice. Venice's anti-Turkish alliance was reformed slightly, with Hungary dropping out and the newly-independent Netherlands joining, but on the military front there was no activity other than occasional rebellions on the Greek islands.
It was during this period that the Venetians and the Spanish became close financial partners. The court in Madrid had always had a need of money to fund its overseas colonisation, and the Venetians had money to provide. From a small base, the Venetians were soon diverting their entire annual tax revenue into loans to Spain, which - repaid with interest - were once again loaned to the Spanish. By the simple passage of time, the Venetians' state revenues were greatly increased, and soon industrial development was taking place, with a naval manufactory built in Mantua and a refinery in Candia (Crete). The interest from the many Spanish loans also enabled the Venetians to rebuild their fleet, shattered after the disastrous Irish expedition in the wake of the Second Mameluke War.
Elsewhere, the Austrians went to war with Turks in 1553, with Austrian ally Bohemia taking Carniola and Pest from the Turks in the ensuing peace treaty. The French occupied the English Marches, which they were granted by the Treaty of Berwick (1555). In 1561, the Aztec Empire was finally extinguished by the Spanish conquistadors.
I plan to expand diplomatically by taking what I can from the Turks and diplo-annexing Milan. I am also working on the Portugese, to try and get some fruitful map-exchange going.
Zagloba
Zagloba
CHAPTER VII
THE GROWTH OF OTTOMAN POWER
Although the Republic was flourishing financially at this period, one event occurred that would affect the entire history of the Venetian state. In 1556, after a heated debate, the Venetian Signory decided to attack the unallied Hedjaz state, with which, following the capture of Jerusalem, they shared a border. Before this plan could be put into action, however, an outbreak of civil unrest in the city reduced stability to such an extent that the Signory found itself unable to undertake military action without a casus belli. The consequences of this delay were severe, for in 1567 the Ottoman empire peacefully annexed the Hedjaz state, and the following year declared war on Venice.
Turkey's alliance at the time was weak (consisting only of the Papal States and Aden), and the Ottomans were quickly put into severe difficulties. In a short campaign, aided by the Polish, the Venetians received Croatia and Hellas, while the Poles received Bujak.
It was after this victory that the Venetians became somewhat complacent about their military prowess. Rather than rebuilding and garrisoning their newly-acquired territory, they devoted their financial resources to colonisation in America and the diplomatic annexation of the Duchy of Milan, which took place in 1591. By the end of the 1500's, Venice was well established in the New World, controlling the coastline from Santee to Delaware from their city at Sant' Isidoro (Santee). However, their European and African provinces were poorly defended, and their navy was weak and outdated. From being the principal naval power of the Mediterranean, the Venetians were reduced to a navy of six warships and two transport ships.
The unexpected declaration of war by the Ottomans in 1605 was a severe shock to the Venetian Republic. More severe was the realisation of who their allies were. France, the Pope, Nubia, Algeria and the Hafsids all lined up on the Turkish side, while the Venetians only had Savoie and Poland to protect them. Given the poor state of readiness in Europe, the war went predictably badly. The Turks advanced into Italy, although the maritime fortifications of la Serenissima prevented an outright attack on the City itself. Thirty thousand men were lost in Africa, at two battles that turned into Nubian-led massacres. In Europe, the Capitan del Tera, Francesco Dona, made the fatal decision to advance against the Pope rather than against the Turk. 50,000 men stormed Styria and Istria before moving on to Milan.
It was only through skilful diplomacy, and the timely capture of Macedonia, that the Venetians were able to get away with paying 500 ducats in financial reparations to the Turk. The Venetians, however, had learned an expensive lesson. The unfortunate Dona was executed between the pillars on the Piazzetta, and the Signory proclaimed that the Republic would be far better prepared for the next war against the Turks, when it came.
THE GROWTH OF OTTOMAN POWER
Although the Republic was flourishing financially at this period, one event occurred that would affect the entire history of the Venetian state. In 1556, after a heated debate, the Venetian Signory decided to attack the unallied Hedjaz state, with which, following the capture of Jerusalem, they shared a border. Before this plan could be put into action, however, an outbreak of civil unrest in the city reduced stability to such an extent that the Signory found itself unable to undertake military action without a casus belli. The consequences of this delay were severe, for in 1567 the Ottoman empire peacefully annexed the Hedjaz state, and the following year declared war on Venice.
Turkey's alliance at the time was weak (consisting only of the Papal States and Aden), and the Ottomans were quickly put into severe difficulties. In a short campaign, aided by the Polish, the Venetians received Croatia and Hellas, while the Poles received Bujak.
It was after this victory that the Venetians became somewhat complacent about their military prowess. Rather than rebuilding and garrisoning their newly-acquired territory, they devoted their financial resources to colonisation in America and the diplomatic annexation of the Duchy of Milan, which took place in 1591. By the end of the 1500's, Venice was well established in the New World, controlling the coastline from Santee to Delaware from their city at Sant' Isidoro (Santee). However, their European and African provinces were poorly defended, and their navy was weak and outdated. From being the principal naval power of the Mediterranean, the Venetians were reduced to a navy of six warships and two transport ships.
The unexpected declaration of war by the Ottomans in 1605 was a severe shock to the Venetian Republic. More severe was the realisation of who their allies were. France, the Pope, Nubia, Algeria and the Hafsids all lined up on the Turkish side, while the Venetians only had Savoie and Poland to protect them. Given the poor state of readiness in Europe, the war went predictably badly. The Turks advanced into Italy, although the maritime fortifications of la Serenissima prevented an outright attack on the City itself. Thirty thousand men were lost in Africa, at two battles that turned into Nubian-led massacres. In Europe, the Capitan del Tera, Francesco Dona, made the fatal decision to advance against the Pope rather than against the Turk. 50,000 men stormed Styria and Istria before moving on to Milan.
It was only through skilful diplomacy, and the timely capture of Macedonia, that the Venetians were able to get away with paying 500 ducats in financial reparations to the Turk. The Venetians, however, had learned an expensive lesson. The unfortunate Dona was executed between the pillars on the Piazzetta, and the Signory proclaimed that the Republic would be far better prepared for the next war against the Turks, when it came.
Ouch! Well, at least it was a lesson well learned! Where'd you come up with 500 ducats, anyway?
Zagloba tough lessons you have learned with Venetians.
Why don't you keep an army on Cyclades or Crete and with your navy make amphibious landings on Thrace, in this case you can end their threat more quickly.
Why don't you keep an army on Cyclades or Crete and with your navy make amphibious landings on Thrace, in this case you can end their threat more quickly.
That's not a bad idea, Cornelius. I have an army in Hellas that I try to take to Constantinople in most wars, but in this last war it was driven away by 35,000 Turks on their way to Poland. It then went back and made the crucial attack on Macedonia that allowed me to escape with some face.
As for where I got 500D from, my tax revenue if I set the slider to max is about 50D/year, because I own three CoTs and the Styrian gold mines.
Zagloba
As for where I got 500D from, my tax revenue if I set the slider to max is about 50D/year, because I own three CoTs and the Styrian gold mines.
Zagloba
Pan, when your next update is due - interesting to learn about your next exploits. Keep it up. There is not much to read on this forum, so don't keep us waiting for too long.
I think you'll need to wait till after the weekend, Cornelius - sorry. I'm just going to snatch an hour or two of EU now, but I am off to see my aged Mum in Devon tomorrow, and I don't suppose there'll be time to check back at the forums before then.
Zagloba
PS There are some good AARs to read elsewhere. I've been particularly enjoying the Lands of Lorraine thread.