Fourth Quadrennial: Denmark, 1848-1851
With Denmark, I figured I would have some easy opportunities to grow. Get them set up for the Scramble for Africa, possibly find a way to hold Sweden to form Scandinavia, maybe even invade some German land while Prussia's trying to recover. But then I got a look at their diplomacy.
The five worst relations are with France at -50, Russia at -50, Belgium at -45, the UK at -42, and Prussia at -41. The influence level with the UK, Prussia, and Austria is Opposed. The Great Powers
hate Denmark. What, do I have pickled herring breath or something? Whatever I do, I'll have to do it on my own.
After Holstein, I have Sweden at +51, and the Netherlands at +30. Hawaii, too, but I doubt that matters. Sweden might be good, but they've got half their army parked in Malmö, just across from Copenhagen. That's not exactly a gesture of trust and friendship. So, I started out with the following goals:
- Get Swedish relations above 100. Ally if possible.
- Then, ferry units to Danish Ghana, and start an invasion of Sokoto.
- Pursue colonization techs and improve homeland industry.
Thankfully, Denmark's economy is solid, so housekeeping isn't as big a priority.
Due to "Political considerations," an alliance with Sweden isn't in the cards, but Netherlands might be interested, if they get to know me better.
I began 1850 starting to learn Breech-Loaded Rifles (good for the military even if you can't get the colonization invention yet) and began shuttling troops to Ghana. Sokoto was friendly with the USA, but the Americans were losing troops quickly in their Manifest Destiny; apparently Mexico was putting up a good fight.
News of the World: Prussia sphered Saxony on December 28, 1848. Spain picked up the Taza concession, and Persia took land from Khiva. Switzerland built the Gotthard Tunnel on June 6, 1850. The UK attacked Johore in 1851.
And on June 20, 1851, Prussia invaded Austria in an attempt to win back Silesia. The UK is joining Prussia in battle, so it's going to be tough. As is the Danish war in Sokoto. I just need more than one stack down there, and that means I'm sending my entire army. My first stack got demolished. I have to be more careful.
Ending ranking: #17. I'm still battling for Denmark's glory. A furniture factory has been built. Things are still in process.
Next quadrennial: Denmark, for four more years. It'll be a good seat to see how the war for Silesia turns out.