Ottoman Turkey, AAR.
The first 30 years.
The first 30 years have been filled with almost non-stop warfare against a multitude of countries, all of which have been European. Venice, Hungary, Austria, Moldavia, Bavaria and parts of Poland. The emphasis in these years was to maximise the conscription of armies, not just from the inner provinces, but also from the outer provinces that were being freshly added to my domains -- there were quite a few of them and they needed protection, as the Ottoman Tank rolled forward. Therefore it was important to achieve high taxation, whilst still keeping the population at peace. While I managed to achieve that (for now at least), there is a high risk of rebellion, especially in the Balkan provinces which flare up now and again.
September 20th, 1492, I invade the lone state of Moldavia with 49,000 men (33,000 infantry), capturing their capital of Galatz a month later. They stood no chance, having no allies, the powers of Europe wouldn't jeopardize their security over the survivial of one small state such as this. Pity, because they would soon be next. Only two years after the Moldavian war is over, the Venetians frightened by my push into Europe declare war in 1494. Their allies the Hansa League cities and Hungary agree to support their cause militarily. Of course Hungary and Venice would be the only two states actually able to confront me in pitched confrontation. This would be the start of almost 30 years of warfare between the Ottomans and the Venetians. Each war would see the Venetian might circumsized slowly but surely until it culiminated in the great war which I'll discuss later.
Much of my emphasis, as I said before, was on the invasion of lands in the Balkans and southern Europe. Throughout this war I have not taken part in any hostilities in the middle east, against the Mameluks, Persia or anyone else. One reason for this, was because I was quite worried that I wouldn't be able to handle the powerful defensive alliance set up to protect the Mameluks. They had allied themselves with France, the Papal States and Savoy and the Venetians for a time. Now, nothing would give me more pleasure than the capture of Rome, the occupation of all of Italy and the drive into the HRE. However I was forced to wait and deal with the countries who didn't have a strong network of allies to protect them and at various times it were these countries which I invaded in force, sparing no cost whatsoever. This was my strategy with Poland in a game some months back and it backfired _seriously_, if some of you recall.. the civil wars that raged through that country weakened me completley, the govt. was broken several times, the countries I conquored became independent again and my ability to wage war against my main rivals was basically shattered. Would this happen to me again? Anyway, back to the first Venetian war. By 1495 I had defeated the Hungarians, offering them terms that were unaccaptable but unavoidable I annexed the entire country bringing my domains up to those of Austria and Bohemia, opening up a long stretch on the southern frontiers of the Polish Commonwealth. By 1496, the Venetian war was concluded, the Doge offering me all of the Venetian lands and provinces on the Adriatic coast. I took them gladly but knew I would have to fight the upstarts again very soon. Almost as soon as the war was concluded I decided to take steps against Venice, by conscripting large armies in Greece for an eventual coastal invasion of Crete and Cyprus and others, Venetian held provinces. These islands would be vital if I wanted to completley destroy the power of Venice. At the same time, our armies would invade from Istria (previously Venetian), right into Venice and Mantua finishing the conquests.
Deciding to wait a while, perhaps I would wage war on the Austrians? Who would it be? That decision would continue to go unanswered as my country went through a serious of crisis in our Balkan provinces, between 1500 and 1502. The Christians were revolting our rule, they had to be put down.
As soon as these problems were concluded, I would declare war on Austria, which I did on Sep 22nd, 1501. Combined armies of just under 100,000 men would invade the southern and eastern provinces of Austria. 50,000 men from Magyar, 45,000 from Istria. Wurtemburg, up until then allied with the Austrians dishonoured their alliance with them, which brought a smile to my face -- good move, you'll survive longer. On October 14th, at the Battle of Presburg in northern Austria, 50,000 Ottomans met 42,000 Austrians. On my side only 2,000 were cavalry, compared to 12,000 cavalry on the Austrian side, though we had a huge advantage in artillery, 48 - 0. The battle was victorious however losses were high. This defeat allowed me to take much territory in the south and north, taking Presburg, The war had slowly bled away my forces and I found that I wasn't receiving the same amounts of taxes I was at the start of the war. The Austrians were definitely resilient and so I decided to cut short my battle, settling for the annexation of only 2 provinces. The destruction of those areas was phenomenal, I was given the option of re-colonizing large stretches of those territories which I obviously did -- meaning I could institute my own religious customs to them almost immediately. The loss of life was _phenomenal_, and would be the same in my next and final war with the Austrians.
As this war was concluding I signed a military alliance (my first of this campaign) with most of the countries in the middle east, bar Mameluks and Persia.
War had taken a heavy toll on the country and during these clashes I was forced to take a loan which had now (by 1508) become overdue twice. Putting 90% of my plans on hold I decided to wait out, have a rest and wait for the taxes to roll in so that I could pay the loan off before going into bankruptcy, which, incidentally would be the death of me and I don't need to tell you why. Luckily for me, the traders and businessmen of our empire decided to give the state a gift of 500d (an event) which would give me a cushion if any crisis, internal or external errupted in the next 2-3 years.
Between 1506-1508, more uprisings in Bulgaria, the Orthodox population were angry at our apparent inferior treatment compared to the other multitiude of religions now within our domains. I crushed the uprising though avoided wiping out the population and instigating Sunni, for I am a fair and kind ruler
In 1507 the military alliance I was part of dissolved but it wouldn't be too long before I hooked up with a new block of states. For the next few years I would be sending envoys to our friends the Crimeans hoping to persuade them to come under the eternal protection of Allah and join the Empire as our vassals. Though our relationship was constantly above 190 they continued to refuse which angered me more and more as the years rolled on. Internally, good government policies (event) had allowed a bonus investement of 1000d in trade and 1000d in infrastructure, a huge boost to our empire. By around this time I had finally paid of the loan, however my treasury had barely noticed, the money was rolling into my pockets faster than 5 dollar bills into the tight folds of a strip dancers laced panties.
Rebels continued to cause problems for me, again in the Balkans. With most of my armies on the frontiers I allowed them to even besiege Constantinople, which they didn't take but it was quite frightening still because there was the chance the government would be broken leading to problems you cannot imagine. In 1510 our great general Ibrahim passed into the great beyond, he was our point man in successful warfare with other countries for the last 15 years, he would be sorely missed.
The Venetian question continued to haunt me and I decided to begin my moves for a possible final war with my hated enemy. My first priority was the building of several new warships, starting with our fleet in Constantinople in October, 1510, costing 164d. Quite an expensive sum, however it would be necessary because the Venetians would no doubt deny me free passage through the Mediterranean in the next war. As these preparations were taking place, my bloody allies the Crimeans (a long with Tripoli & Cyrenica) saw fit to declare war on the Polish Commonwealth. Wonderful! Really great! I had to agree to enter the conflict however at the beginning of the war there were no armies stationed on the northern borders of occupied Hungary, it would be an uphill battle. The Poles first move was to attack into Moldavia, whilst the Crimeans moved west from their capital into Bessarabia, the only Polish province that has a port into the Black Sea. I decided to move onto Krakow and during this march our fleet in the Gulf of Odessa defeated a Polish flotilla completley, the remanents of which retreated back to Port quickly. By September the Poles had been expelled from Moldavia, in November after a 2 month siege of Krakow the city finally fell. My next decision would be crucial.. do we go north and attack the capital itself (no armies anywhere in Greater Poland), or move east and defeat the main Polish army to the east? Just as I was about to make my mind up the Poles and Crimeans decided on a status quo. This little exercise would cause serious repercussions for me against the Venetians who, while I was busy in southern Poland were building a huge army to take back their Adriatic provinces. My need to move all necessary armies from that area to help in the Polish war didn't give me enough time to conscript additional armies -- just in case. In 1512, the Venetians declare war on me, the last great war which would go for 4 long years. In the beginning I was completley powerless. 100,000 Venetians, with artillery support up to their noses (169 pieces) invaded the Adriatic province of Istria. It's quite obvious they were determined to take their lands back. As this was occuring to the north, in Greece, specifially Morea, Hella, Smyria and the Cyclades I ordered a massive conscription effort to begin, these soldiers who be transported very soon into the Mediterranean.
On May 7th, 1512, our first transport of troops lands unharrased on the coast of Cyprus. In the meantime, the main Venetian army is still bleeding against the walls of the capital of Istria which is exactly what I'm hoping for. 40,000 Turks stationed just to the east will attack at precisely the right moment, when the whole Venetian army is demoralized and needs time to rest. On August 1st, 1512 40,000 Turks arrive in Istria completley surprising the huge Venetian army which only a few hours later must retreat. We lost thousands of men in this battle, however we are victorious. The Venetians would try several times to invade this territory again throughout the war but would be unsuccessful each time.
October 28th, 1512 the Ottomans invade the island of Crete. 34,000 Turks defeat 18,000 Venetians on open field leading to the siege of the city. Clashes on water are now becoming quite serious, Cyrenican-Turkish forces clashing with strong Venetian contingents.
Feb 19th, 1513 a determined move into Venice occurs. 33,000 Ottomans do battle against 34,000 Venetians on open field. They are defeated but the siege of Venice will last along time. On October 22nd, 30 artillery pieces arrive in Crete after several running battles with Venetian fleets. On Jan 23rd, 1514, a major (the largest so far) sea battle occurs between the Venetian and Turkish fleets in the Gulf of Sinai. We are utterly victorious, so victorious infact that ... 'our victorious navy has stolen the maps of Venice. We now have access to all their exploration' .. This definitive battle allows our transports to continue sending reinforcements to Crete and Cyprus and is the nail in the coffin of their successful war effort there. March 14th, 1514, the city of Candia (Crete) falls. This is followed by the capitulation of Famagusta (Cyprus). Seven days later Venice falls and our armies now move west into Mantua. The Venetians offer peace, however we decline so close to complete victory. June 24th, 1514 Manuta falls. For the next 2 years I'm still forced to continue the war against the Venetians who had launched counter-attacks on my allies, the Tripolitanians and Cyrenicans, surprisingly annexing both one province countries almost without a problem. Once the Mediterranean was secured I launched coastal invasions of these provinces which in due course would be successful. In 1518, Venice ceased being an independent entity.
Between 1518-21 I wage war with Poland, defeating the Poles, taking Podolia whilst the Crimeans take Bessarabia. This victory however is only temporary (in part) for the Poles declare their own war some years later against the Crimeans who must relinquish Bessarabia to the Poles again. I take no part in that war exhausted by my conflict with Austria->
Whilst the Austrians are busy waging a campaign against the Bohemians (who just successfully defeated the Poles taking the province of Posen, which incidentally would lead to their weakening and defeat by the Muscovites), I declare war on Austria. By 1531, we've taken Vienna and all of their provinces. Again the devistation is just phenomenal. This is perhaps the first time in a campaign that I've seen the highlighted option to recolonize large stretches of Austria with my own citizens. ..
VP's so far.
Spain 877
Muscovites 459
Ottomans 434
France 385
England 265
http://www.polisharmies.cjb.com/eupix13/eupix13.html
Two screenshots from the AAR. Screen 0 shows the Ottoman Turkey after all these wars. Take a look at the population of Tyrol, whoo-wee. It a long with the province of Austria are now Sunni, that must have been the areas where most of the population loss was.
2nd screenshot is of the religious map. Blue is protestant, grey is catholic. Most of Austria is still Catholic as you see by those crosses, however Tyrol and Austria provinces have already been 'altered'.
Sapura
------------------
'Kill first, calculate later'
Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, Polish-Lithuanian Hetman
The first 30 years.
The first 30 years have been filled with almost non-stop warfare against a multitude of countries, all of which have been European. Venice, Hungary, Austria, Moldavia, Bavaria and parts of Poland. The emphasis in these years was to maximise the conscription of armies, not just from the inner provinces, but also from the outer provinces that were being freshly added to my domains -- there were quite a few of them and they needed protection, as the Ottoman Tank rolled forward. Therefore it was important to achieve high taxation, whilst still keeping the population at peace. While I managed to achieve that (for now at least), there is a high risk of rebellion, especially in the Balkan provinces which flare up now and again.
September 20th, 1492, I invade the lone state of Moldavia with 49,000 men (33,000 infantry), capturing their capital of Galatz a month later. They stood no chance, having no allies, the powers of Europe wouldn't jeopardize their security over the survivial of one small state such as this. Pity, because they would soon be next. Only two years after the Moldavian war is over, the Venetians frightened by my push into Europe declare war in 1494. Their allies the Hansa League cities and Hungary agree to support their cause militarily. Of course Hungary and Venice would be the only two states actually able to confront me in pitched confrontation. This would be the start of almost 30 years of warfare between the Ottomans and the Venetians. Each war would see the Venetian might circumsized slowly but surely until it culiminated in the great war which I'll discuss later.
Much of my emphasis, as I said before, was on the invasion of lands in the Balkans and southern Europe. Throughout this war I have not taken part in any hostilities in the middle east, against the Mameluks, Persia or anyone else. One reason for this, was because I was quite worried that I wouldn't be able to handle the powerful defensive alliance set up to protect the Mameluks. They had allied themselves with France, the Papal States and Savoy and the Venetians for a time. Now, nothing would give me more pleasure than the capture of Rome, the occupation of all of Italy and the drive into the HRE. However I was forced to wait and deal with the countries who didn't have a strong network of allies to protect them and at various times it were these countries which I invaded in force, sparing no cost whatsoever. This was my strategy with Poland in a game some months back and it backfired _seriously_, if some of you recall.. the civil wars that raged through that country weakened me completley, the govt. was broken several times, the countries I conquored became independent again and my ability to wage war against my main rivals was basically shattered. Would this happen to me again? Anyway, back to the first Venetian war. By 1495 I had defeated the Hungarians, offering them terms that were unaccaptable but unavoidable I annexed the entire country bringing my domains up to those of Austria and Bohemia, opening up a long stretch on the southern frontiers of the Polish Commonwealth. By 1496, the Venetian war was concluded, the Doge offering me all of the Venetian lands and provinces on the Adriatic coast. I took them gladly but knew I would have to fight the upstarts again very soon. Almost as soon as the war was concluded I decided to take steps against Venice, by conscripting large armies in Greece for an eventual coastal invasion of Crete and Cyprus and others, Venetian held provinces. These islands would be vital if I wanted to completley destroy the power of Venice. At the same time, our armies would invade from Istria (previously Venetian), right into Venice and Mantua finishing the conquests.
Deciding to wait a while, perhaps I would wage war on the Austrians? Who would it be? That decision would continue to go unanswered as my country went through a serious of crisis in our Balkan provinces, between 1500 and 1502. The Christians were revolting our rule, they had to be put down.
As soon as these problems were concluded, I would declare war on Austria, which I did on Sep 22nd, 1501. Combined armies of just under 100,000 men would invade the southern and eastern provinces of Austria. 50,000 men from Magyar, 45,000 from Istria. Wurtemburg, up until then allied with the Austrians dishonoured their alliance with them, which brought a smile to my face -- good move, you'll survive longer. On October 14th, at the Battle of Presburg in northern Austria, 50,000 Ottomans met 42,000 Austrians. On my side only 2,000 were cavalry, compared to 12,000 cavalry on the Austrian side, though we had a huge advantage in artillery, 48 - 0. The battle was victorious however losses were high. This defeat allowed me to take much territory in the south and north, taking Presburg, The war had slowly bled away my forces and I found that I wasn't receiving the same amounts of taxes I was at the start of the war. The Austrians were definitely resilient and so I decided to cut short my battle, settling for the annexation of only 2 provinces. The destruction of those areas was phenomenal, I was given the option of re-colonizing large stretches of those territories which I obviously did -- meaning I could institute my own religious customs to them almost immediately. The loss of life was _phenomenal_, and would be the same in my next and final war with the Austrians.
As this war was concluding I signed a military alliance (my first of this campaign) with most of the countries in the middle east, bar Mameluks and Persia.
War had taken a heavy toll on the country and during these clashes I was forced to take a loan which had now (by 1508) become overdue twice. Putting 90% of my plans on hold I decided to wait out, have a rest and wait for the taxes to roll in so that I could pay the loan off before going into bankruptcy, which, incidentally would be the death of me and I don't need to tell you why. Luckily for me, the traders and businessmen of our empire decided to give the state a gift of 500d (an event) which would give me a cushion if any crisis, internal or external errupted in the next 2-3 years.
Between 1506-1508, more uprisings in Bulgaria, the Orthodox population were angry at our apparent inferior treatment compared to the other multitiude of religions now within our domains. I crushed the uprising though avoided wiping out the population and instigating Sunni, for I am a fair and kind ruler
In 1507 the military alliance I was part of dissolved but it wouldn't be too long before I hooked up with a new block of states. For the next few years I would be sending envoys to our friends the Crimeans hoping to persuade them to come under the eternal protection of Allah and join the Empire as our vassals. Though our relationship was constantly above 190 they continued to refuse which angered me more and more as the years rolled on. Internally, good government policies (event) had allowed a bonus investement of 1000d in trade and 1000d in infrastructure, a huge boost to our empire. By around this time I had finally paid of the loan, however my treasury had barely noticed, the money was rolling into my pockets faster than 5 dollar bills into the tight folds of a strip dancers laced panties. Rebels continued to cause problems for me, again in the Balkans. With most of my armies on the frontiers I allowed them to even besiege Constantinople, which they didn't take but it was quite frightening still because there was the chance the government would be broken leading to problems you cannot imagine. In 1510 our great general Ibrahim passed into the great beyond, he was our point man in successful warfare with other countries for the last 15 years, he would be sorely missed.
The Venetian question continued to haunt me and I decided to begin my moves for a possible final war with my hated enemy. My first priority was the building of several new warships, starting with our fleet in Constantinople in October, 1510, costing 164d. Quite an expensive sum, however it would be necessary because the Venetians would no doubt deny me free passage through the Mediterranean in the next war. As these preparations were taking place, my bloody allies the Crimeans (a long with Tripoli & Cyrenica) saw fit to declare war on the Polish Commonwealth. Wonderful! Really great! I had to agree to enter the conflict however at the beginning of the war there were no armies stationed on the northern borders of occupied Hungary, it would be an uphill battle. The Poles first move was to attack into Moldavia, whilst the Crimeans moved west from their capital into Bessarabia, the only Polish province that has a port into the Black Sea. I decided to move onto Krakow and during this march our fleet in the Gulf of Odessa defeated a Polish flotilla completley, the remanents of which retreated back to Port quickly. By September the Poles had been expelled from Moldavia, in November after a 2 month siege of Krakow the city finally fell. My next decision would be crucial.. do we go north and attack the capital itself (no armies anywhere in Greater Poland), or move east and defeat the main Polish army to the east? Just as I was about to make my mind up the Poles and Crimeans decided on a status quo. This little exercise would cause serious repercussions for me against the Venetians who, while I was busy in southern Poland were building a huge army to take back their Adriatic provinces. My need to move all necessary armies from that area to help in the Polish war didn't give me enough time to conscript additional armies -- just in case. In 1512, the Venetians declare war on me, the last great war which would go for 4 long years. In the beginning I was completley powerless. 100,000 Venetians, with artillery support up to their noses (169 pieces) invaded the Adriatic province of Istria. It's quite obvious they were determined to take their lands back. As this was occuring to the north, in Greece, specifially Morea, Hella, Smyria and the Cyclades I ordered a massive conscription effort to begin, these soldiers who be transported very soon into the Mediterranean.
On May 7th, 1512, our first transport of troops lands unharrased on the coast of Cyprus. In the meantime, the main Venetian army is still bleeding against the walls of the capital of Istria which is exactly what I'm hoping for. 40,000 Turks stationed just to the east will attack at precisely the right moment, when the whole Venetian army is demoralized and needs time to rest. On August 1st, 1512 40,000 Turks arrive in Istria completley surprising the huge Venetian army which only a few hours later must retreat. We lost thousands of men in this battle, however we are victorious. The Venetians would try several times to invade this territory again throughout the war but would be unsuccessful each time.
October 28th, 1512 the Ottomans invade the island of Crete. 34,000 Turks defeat 18,000 Venetians on open field leading to the siege of the city. Clashes on water are now becoming quite serious, Cyrenican-Turkish forces clashing with strong Venetian contingents.
Feb 19th, 1513 a determined move into Venice occurs. 33,000 Ottomans do battle against 34,000 Venetians on open field. They are defeated but the siege of Venice will last along time. On October 22nd, 30 artillery pieces arrive in Crete after several running battles with Venetian fleets. On Jan 23rd, 1514, a major (the largest so far) sea battle occurs between the Venetian and Turkish fleets in the Gulf of Sinai. We are utterly victorious, so victorious infact that ... 'our victorious navy has stolen the maps of Venice. We now have access to all their exploration' .. This definitive battle allows our transports to continue sending reinforcements to Crete and Cyprus and is the nail in the coffin of their successful war effort there. March 14th, 1514, the city of Candia (Crete) falls. This is followed by the capitulation of Famagusta (Cyprus). Seven days later Venice falls and our armies now move west into Mantua. The Venetians offer peace, however we decline so close to complete victory. June 24th, 1514 Manuta falls. For the next 2 years I'm still forced to continue the war against the Venetians who had launched counter-attacks on my allies, the Tripolitanians and Cyrenicans, surprisingly annexing both one province countries almost without a problem. Once the Mediterranean was secured I launched coastal invasions of these provinces which in due course would be successful. In 1518, Venice ceased being an independent entity.
Between 1518-21 I wage war with Poland, defeating the Poles, taking Podolia whilst the Crimeans take Bessarabia. This victory however is only temporary (in part) for the Poles declare their own war some years later against the Crimeans who must relinquish Bessarabia to the Poles again. I take no part in that war exhausted by my conflict with Austria->
Whilst the Austrians are busy waging a campaign against the Bohemians (who just successfully defeated the Poles taking the province of Posen, which incidentally would lead to their weakening and defeat by the Muscovites), I declare war on Austria. By 1531, we've taken Vienna and all of their provinces. Again the devistation is just phenomenal. This is perhaps the first time in a campaign that I've seen the highlighted option to recolonize large stretches of Austria with my own citizens. ..
VP's so far.
Spain 877
Muscovites 459
Ottomans 434
France 385
England 265
http://www.polisharmies.cjb.com/eupix13/eupix13.html
Two screenshots from the AAR. Screen 0 shows the Ottoman Turkey after all these wars. Take a look at the population of Tyrol, whoo-wee. It a long with the province of Austria are now Sunni, that must have been the areas where most of the population loss was.
2nd screenshot is of the religious map. Blue is protestant, grey is catholic. Most of Austria is still Catholic as you see by those crosses, however Tyrol and Austria provinces have already been 'altered'.
Sapura
------------------
'Kill first, calculate later'
Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, Polish-Lithuanian Hetman
