CHAPTER 1
Glorious Leader Willem gazed at the map of his clay. Orange would suit Europe. It is a very flattering colour. His Foreign Advisor was gabbling on about it, but Willem could only hear so much. "To our south we have our weak neighbours in Belgium, and our underlings in Luxembourg. Nearby powers include Prussia, France, and Great Britain, so we need to be very careful about whom we annoy."
"Much more impressive is our main colony in Indonesia. The area is full of uncivilised nations, who are ripe for imperialistic gains. Apart from the Spanish Phillipines, Britain in Australia, and Portugal's occasional province, we are the sole nation in the region. We stand a good chance at taking the majority of the region." Willem liked the idea of that. Spreading Orange Imperialism across the world. Or maybe it is Tangerine. Tangerine Imperialism? Willem could not decide. He dismissed his Foreign Advisor for the moment, only to have him replaced by his Science Advisor.
"Sir, this is our tech so far."
"Where are the nukes?"
"The what?"
"The NUKES! The big bombs that make a mushroom cloud! The big kaboom!"
"Willem, did you take your medication today?"
"Of course I did! I want NUKES!"
"Will you settle for muzzle-loaded rifles?'
"FINE! NOW GET OUT OF HERE!"
Willem, in his infinite wisdom, orchestrated a change in government to suit his nukey, war-filled plans. Whatever they are. Maybe the voices in his head will tell us something. But probably not.
Willem also decided to offer the United Kingdom protection in the form of an Alliance. At least, that is how he thinks it works.
A strong economy is essential for any budding warmonger, with the Netherlands being no exception. Because more money means more guns, and more guns means more orange/tangerine. Or something like that.
Apparently the Dutch Royal Family loves Denmark.
The Dutch Republic declares war on Siak, a primitive nation on the island of Sumatra.
A decisive battle wipes out the entire enemy army of 6000, with only 61 casualties for the Netherlands.
Siak eventually accepts their orangey fate.
With his bloodlust not satisfied by the sacrifice of a small Indonesian nation, Glorious Leader declares war on the even smaller, more irrelevant nation of Bali. Which is not full of Australian tourists. Yet.
The Prussian government offered an alliance in the spring of 1837. Which was naturally accepted.
On the same day that the government accepted the alliance with Prussia, they issued an official declaration of war against Belgium, citing "Restoration of Order" as the Casus Belli.
After the British side with the Belgians, the Prussians, eager to impress their new ally, join the Netherlands. This will be a close fight.
After a rather short siege, the Dutch control Brussels, which opens the front up even further. As you can see, the Belgians occupy Middelburg, and the Prussians occupy Spa.
Just as things were going so well, while the army was on the other side of the planet, rebels rise up in Java. Apparently they are unhappy with being a forgotten oppressed minority. Not sure why.
As if one was not bad enough. Now there are Liberals running rampant around the East Indies, as well as the motherland. Rebels, rebels everywhere. (Fun Fact: Kayde considered restarting here)
The main rebel doomstack in all it's glory, currently rampaging it's way across the mother country.
In light of all this, the government, and Willem, believe now is the time to give the unwashed masses some rights. But it is too little, much too late.
First the Javanese enforce their demands, with the Dutch losing a large chunk of the East Indies.
A bit of good news, with one war finished. Thats nice, I guess.
With Belgium having no say in their annexation, the British agree to the peace treaty. Now, to focus on the rebel hordes. Filthy liberals.
Oops. What I meant to say was, I for one welcome our new liberal overlords. The Liberals let Willem live on, but with next to no power. He will now be known as "Slightly Less Glorious Leader".
The Spanish offer an alliance in 1838. The new government accept.
The revolution had inherited quite the deficit, after 3 wars, and 2 revolutions. They set about trying to remedy the situation, with reasonable success. (see below)
In 1840, the government host the Grand Exhibition, to show that the Netherlands can into relevance.
The same year, they host a National Conference for the budding scientists of the Dutch Republic.
END
That is the first chapter! Any advice is appreciated!