Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Before the Storm
1871 - 1881
After 10 years of internal autonomy it was becoming clear to Hungary that in order to retake its rightful place under the sun it will have to loosen its ties with the Hapsburg House. Austria however is during this time a powerful nation, which despite the setbacks with Prussia, still commands respect and is superior to Hungary in many ways. The decade and half following the Austro-Prussian War finds Hungary focused on industrial expansion.
Hungary's army is clearly overshadowed in the first half of the decade. The cultural and economical focus of the research establishment reaps its first benefits as Budapest is accepted by the world as one of the lesser centers of thinking and art.
Unfortunately, it will not be by pen alone that Hungarian independance will be achieved. For the moment, a professional army that outnumbers Austria's is beyond our reach. A large reserve army will provide added muscle and relatively modded cost. At the end of the decade, around 32 reserve divisions will be able to be raised. IT is Hungary's plan to intiate the Second Independace War after the year 1881. As time passes more resources are diverted into a standing army.
Due to the banning of the conservative party, the landowners elect the Communists into power. The party is absolutely against everything that the country and its leaders stand for and by royal decree the Liberals are put back into power. Wide spread voting fraud is suspect as the reason for this shocking result. But this shows that the nation's elite is no longer able to choose wisely in respect to Hungary's long-term goals. The voting rights are thus further liberalized to ensure following voting results.
No longer does a man have to own land to be able to vote. A simple wealth criteria is introduced. Public meetings are allowed and the freedom of press is not limited by censorship. However the establishment retains the power to ban political parties for the moment and in order to placate the rich only non-socialist trade unions are allowed. This political process brings the Szabadelvu Part into power with Laissez Faire economical, Protectionist trade policies, which enable the Hungarian industry and economy to grow fastest.
And Hungary continues to grow stronger. With its huge cash reserves and technological advancement ahead of its master, Budapest shops in Vienna. For 90,500 and one technology we receive 3 other blueprints and the province ofKarlovar on the Adriatic coast. This province not only contains rare metal deposits but provides a wider access to sea for Hungary. It is not much, but it also makes Hungary adjectent to Senj with Iron Ore deposits. Hungarian rulers debate whether to obtain this province peacefellu prior to the outbreak of hostilities or in a peace settlement. This would demand a diversion of at least a single division for the southern front and the issue remains to be open. Due to lowering of taxes the growh of Hungarian cash reserves is no longer as explosive and it remains to be seen whether we will be able to afford another purchase.
The army is expanded by 1881 to 20 divisions to Austria's 14. A cavalry army of 60 000 men is positioned on the Galician border with Austria. Two 70 000 men strong infantry armies are based in Trencin and Sopron. As a form of luxury and gesture of status Hungary commissions 2 ships to be built. A somewhat obsolete ironclad that might be good enough against the Turkish fleet and a more modern Monitor that will sail from the docks at Ogulin during the year of 1881.
The naval base in Ogulin is rapidly expanded as well into the highest possible state. Yet most of Africa is still beyond the reach of any Hungarian endeavors, despite the nascent Hungarian Colonial Company's best efforts. Hungary has more pressing issues at hand far closer to home than joining other nations in their race for Africa.
The focus of research becomes military technology and tactics. The army is in place with 30 reserve divisions waiting to be mobilized and wrest full control of Hungary for Budapest!
Chapter 3: Before the Storm
1871 - 1881
After 10 years of internal autonomy it was becoming clear to Hungary that in order to retake its rightful place under the sun it will have to loosen its ties with the Hapsburg House. Austria however is during this time a powerful nation, which despite the setbacks with Prussia, still commands respect and is superior to Hungary in many ways. The decade and half following the Austro-Prussian War finds Hungary focused on industrial expansion.
Hungary's army is clearly overshadowed in the first half of the decade. The cultural and economical focus of the research establishment reaps its first benefits as Budapest is accepted by the world as one of the lesser centers of thinking and art.
Unfortunately, it will not be by pen alone that Hungarian independance will be achieved. For the moment, a professional army that outnumbers Austria's is beyond our reach. A large reserve army will provide added muscle and relatively modded cost. At the end of the decade, around 32 reserve divisions will be able to be raised. IT is Hungary's plan to intiate the Second Independace War after the year 1881. As time passes more resources are diverted into a standing army.
Due to the banning of the conservative party, the landowners elect the Communists into power. The party is absolutely against everything that the country and its leaders stand for and by royal decree the Liberals are put back into power. Wide spread voting fraud is suspect as the reason for this shocking result. But this shows that the nation's elite is no longer able to choose wisely in respect to Hungary's long-term goals. The voting rights are thus further liberalized to ensure following voting results.
No longer does a man have to own land to be able to vote. A simple wealth criteria is introduced. Public meetings are allowed and the freedom of press is not limited by censorship. However the establishment retains the power to ban political parties for the moment and in order to placate the rich only non-socialist trade unions are allowed. This political process brings the Szabadelvu Part into power with Laissez Faire economical, Protectionist trade policies, which enable the Hungarian industry and economy to grow fastest.
And Hungary continues to grow stronger. With its huge cash reserves and technological advancement ahead of its master, Budapest shops in Vienna. For 90,500 and one technology we receive 3 other blueprints and the province ofKarlovar on the Adriatic coast. This province not only contains rare metal deposits but provides a wider access to sea for Hungary. It is not much, but it also makes Hungary adjectent to Senj with Iron Ore deposits. Hungarian rulers debate whether to obtain this province peacefellu prior to the outbreak of hostilities or in a peace settlement. This would demand a diversion of at least a single division for the southern front and the issue remains to be open. Due to lowering of taxes the growh of Hungarian cash reserves is no longer as explosive and it remains to be seen whether we will be able to afford another purchase.
The army is expanded by 1881 to 20 divisions to Austria's 14. A cavalry army of 60 000 men is positioned on the Galician border with Austria. Two 70 000 men strong infantry armies are based in Trencin and Sopron. As a form of luxury and gesture of status Hungary commissions 2 ships to be built. A somewhat obsolete ironclad that might be good enough against the Turkish fleet and a more modern Monitor that will sail from the docks at Ogulin during the year of 1881.
The naval base in Ogulin is rapidly expanded as well into the highest possible state. Yet most of Africa is still beyond the reach of any Hungarian endeavors, despite the nascent Hungarian Colonial Company's best efforts. Hungary has more pressing issues at hand far closer to home than joining other nations in their race for Africa.
The focus of research becomes military technology and tactics. The army is in place with 30 reserve divisions waiting to be mobilized and wrest full control of Hungary for Budapest!
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