108. 1915-1921 - Senate Responses
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109. On Orthodoxy
On Orthodoxy
The Empire was Christian, of course. But nineteen centuries will lead to changes even in the Church.
The various crisis leading to the seven great ecumenical councils are well known and do not bear repeating. Nor does the great schism between the western and eastern churches.
Konstantinos X had insisted on religious unity within the Empire, and had forced the peoples of Armenia to agree to the orthodox creeds. His campaigns in the Levant restored the Patriarch of Jersusalem to the church.
Konstantios III’s campaign in Egypt restored several the Patriarch of Alexandria to the church. He had then asked the Pope in Rome to agree to rejoin the Pentarchy, but the Pope continued to insist on his authority over the other bishops. The resulting war was brief, and the Patriarch of Rome was given to a Bishop of the Greek Rite.
Soon after, the First Council of Rome was called, inviting bishops from all of Christendom. And bishops came from all over, except from the Holy Roman Empire, where the Pope had fled. Few bishops came from there. At the council, the differences between the Western and Eastern churches were reconciled. The authority of the Pentarchy was asserted, with the possibility of autocephalous patriarchs admitted, but with all such bishops in communion with the pentarchy and recognizing them as first among equals. The Latin and Greek Rites were both officially recognized, with more Rites recognized in later councils. The Filioque controversy was notably not resolved under pressure from Kosntantios to focus on the other issues, and largely grew to be a matter of local consideration. While not all bishops agreed with the Council, rulers across Europe mostly sided with it, and within fifty years most of Europe was solidly orthodox. The greatest exception was the Holy Roman Empire, where the few bishops who had gone to the council were eventually overridden. In that same time period, the HRE became staunchly catholic.
However, a century later, France’s king declared for Catholicism, and that nation quickly followed the HRE in converting away from the true faith. Over the next century, France would conquer England and spread the Catholic heresy even there. During that time the Empire continued campaigns against Muslims, and as their lands were brought back into the Empire they turned back to Christ. The later Mongol invasion of the Muslim heartlands and subsequent conversion to Christianity seemed like the death knell for Islam, especially given the Christian Reconquista of Iberia and the Imperial conquest of northwestern Africa. The Mongols had converted on acceptance of the Asian Rite within the Orthodox community, making it ever more diverse.
But even as the Empire brought the Mediterranean fully under its control, the HRE conquered Polish lands from the Golden Horde, converting them to heresy. And the Timurids swept into Persia, Arabia, and Russia, seeking to reclaim not just the old Islamic heartlands, but traditionally Christian lands as well. By the beginning of the 15th century, France had been conquered and converted to Orthodoxy yet again. By the end of the century, the Empire had conquered nearly all of England and had defeated the Timurids and replaced them with client kingdoms, again converting the peoples to orthodoxy. These client kingdoms often developed yet more new rites, which were accepted as orthodox.
The early 16th century saw the Protestant and Reform movements in Catholic lands. But Konstantios XI was a zealot, and on his ascension to the throne, he led the Empire to war with nearly all of the HRE, Catholic, Protestant, and Reformed all. Not only did this lead to the dismantling of the HRE, but to the various rulers being brought into the Orthodox fold. Of course, this led to even more new rites, even more different than those that had come before. The Protestants sometimes even used instruments in their worship.
With the end of the fifteen years war, the Empire soon found itself in contact with the Americas. In the areas where the Empire later colonized, the locals joined the churches in the new cities the Empire inspired. Whether this was part of their turning the Empire’s colonization efforts into local political organization or sincere conversions mattered little, the next generation was stanchly orthodox. But in the new world, there were even more new rites, incorporating local religious and cultural traditions into Christianity. More extreme were the rites in the organized polities that were never colonized. They accepted imperial missionaries (and the imperial advisors that taught them writing, metalworking, horsemanship, and gunpowder production), but insisted on their own autocephalous bishops and local rites. By now, the pentarchy had little power outside the eastern Empire, where the Greek Rite was used. Everywhere else had their own autocephalous bishops and slowly diverging Rites.
The conversion of the former Holy Roman Empire to orthodoxy took time (and occasional wars), despite the rulers having converted. But in time all of Europe and the Americas (and later Africa) were brought into religious communion, even if that communion was far more diverse than could have been imagined in A.D. 1000, let alone A.D. 33.
The Time of Troubles shattered that unity. When Burgundy declared its independence, it was under the lead of a man declaring himself the Pope. It was unknown if Catholics had remained underground for those centuries, with a secret and unbroken Papal succession, or if this history was fabricated as part of the rebellion. But he led Burgundy, allied with Italy, and they both won their independence. When the King of Italy died, the Pope proclaimed himself ruler of Italy, placing the Pope in control of Rome for the first time in eight hundred years. Where this would lead no-one knew.
In orthodox realms, the church tended to remain strong, though. Recent philosophers had begun to make atheism acceptable to believe, but it was not a widely-held belief. Some communist and fascist nations tried to remove the influence of the church, but this was new and had not yet taken a strong hold. So the church was quite influential in the early 20th century.
The Empire was Christian, of course. But nineteen centuries will lead to changes even in the Church.
The various crisis leading to the seven great ecumenical councils are well known and do not bear repeating. Nor does the great schism between the western and eastern churches.
Konstantinos X had insisted on religious unity within the Empire, and had forced the peoples of Armenia to agree to the orthodox creeds. His campaigns in the Levant restored the Patriarch of Jersusalem to the church.
Konstantios III’s campaign in Egypt restored several the Patriarch of Alexandria to the church. He had then asked the Pope in Rome to agree to rejoin the Pentarchy, but the Pope continued to insist on his authority over the other bishops. The resulting war was brief, and the Patriarch of Rome was given to a Bishop of the Greek Rite.
Soon after, the First Council of Rome was called, inviting bishops from all of Christendom. And bishops came from all over, except from the Holy Roman Empire, where the Pope had fled. Few bishops came from there. At the council, the differences between the Western and Eastern churches were reconciled. The authority of the Pentarchy was asserted, with the possibility of autocephalous patriarchs admitted, but with all such bishops in communion with the pentarchy and recognizing them as first among equals. The Latin and Greek Rites were both officially recognized, with more Rites recognized in later councils. The Filioque controversy was notably not resolved under pressure from Kosntantios to focus on the other issues, and largely grew to be a matter of local consideration. While not all bishops agreed with the Council, rulers across Europe mostly sided with it, and within fifty years most of Europe was solidly orthodox. The greatest exception was the Holy Roman Empire, where the few bishops who had gone to the council were eventually overridden. In that same time period, the HRE became staunchly catholic.
However, a century later, France’s king declared for Catholicism, and that nation quickly followed the HRE in converting away from the true faith. Over the next century, France would conquer England and spread the Catholic heresy even there. During that time the Empire continued campaigns against Muslims, and as their lands were brought back into the Empire they turned back to Christ. The later Mongol invasion of the Muslim heartlands and subsequent conversion to Christianity seemed like the death knell for Islam, especially given the Christian Reconquista of Iberia and the Imperial conquest of northwestern Africa. The Mongols had converted on acceptance of the Asian Rite within the Orthodox community, making it ever more diverse.
But even as the Empire brought the Mediterranean fully under its control, the HRE conquered Polish lands from the Golden Horde, converting them to heresy. And the Timurids swept into Persia, Arabia, and Russia, seeking to reclaim not just the old Islamic heartlands, but traditionally Christian lands as well. By the beginning of the 15th century, France had been conquered and converted to Orthodoxy yet again. By the end of the century, the Empire had conquered nearly all of England and had defeated the Timurids and replaced them with client kingdoms, again converting the peoples to orthodoxy. These client kingdoms often developed yet more new rites, which were accepted as orthodox.
The early 16th century saw the Protestant and Reform movements in Catholic lands. But Konstantios XI was a zealot, and on his ascension to the throne, he led the Empire to war with nearly all of the HRE, Catholic, Protestant, and Reformed all. Not only did this lead to the dismantling of the HRE, but to the various rulers being brought into the Orthodox fold. Of course, this led to even more new rites, even more different than those that had come before. The Protestants sometimes even used instruments in their worship.
With the end of the fifteen years war, the Empire soon found itself in contact with the Americas. In the areas where the Empire later colonized, the locals joined the churches in the new cities the Empire inspired. Whether this was part of their turning the Empire’s colonization efforts into local political organization or sincere conversions mattered little, the next generation was stanchly orthodox. But in the new world, there were even more new rites, incorporating local religious and cultural traditions into Christianity. More extreme were the rites in the organized polities that were never colonized. They accepted imperial missionaries (and the imperial advisors that taught them writing, metalworking, horsemanship, and gunpowder production), but insisted on their own autocephalous bishops and local rites. By now, the pentarchy had little power outside the eastern Empire, where the Greek Rite was used. Everywhere else had their own autocephalous bishops and slowly diverging Rites.
The conversion of the former Holy Roman Empire to orthodoxy took time (and occasional wars), despite the rulers having converted. But in time all of Europe and the Americas (and later Africa) were brought into religious communion, even if that communion was far more diverse than could have been imagined in A.D. 1000, let alone A.D. 33.
The Time of Troubles shattered that unity. When Burgundy declared its independence, it was under the lead of a man declaring himself the Pope. It was unknown if Catholics had remained underground for those centuries, with a secret and unbroken Papal succession, or if this history was fabricated as part of the rebellion. But he led Burgundy, allied with Italy, and they both won their independence. When the King of Italy died, the Pope proclaimed himself ruler of Italy, placing the Pope in control of Rome for the first time in eight hundred years. Where this would lead no-one knew.
In orthodox realms, the church tended to remain strong, though. Recent philosophers had begun to make atheism acceptable to believe, but it was not a widely-held belief. Some communist and fascist nations tried to remove the influence of the church, but this was new and had not yet taken a strong hold. So the church was quite influential in the early 20th century.
110. 1921-1926 - Summoning the Senate
Senators,
You are invited to a State of the Empire Address on January 1, 1926, to be held at the Senate chambers at the Great Palace.
The archivists consider the following newspapers to be significant.
And the Senate's world map is being updated.
You are invited to a State of the Empire Address on January 1, 1926, to be held at the Senate chambers at the Great Palace.
The archivists consider the following newspapers to be significant.
And the Senate's world map is being updated.
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(( Things of significance you would know about:
Various minor wars, leading to some of the map changes seen above. The Empire helped with a couple.
Ongoing reforms, both social and political.
Increased taxes on the rich (investment taxes + sales taxes).
The Koinonikistai splits, most joining the KRA, the remainder reforming the Koinonikistai under the same platform (but more extreme).
Olympics in 1922 and 1923. We host the ones in 1923 in Barcelona.
A massive fascist rebellion in 1925 (@Sancronis has been given leave to write all about it)
A smaller Spanish rebellion in 1925.
Edit: also, I picked this up at my local library today. Here's hoping it'll inspire another 'flavor' update.
))
Various minor wars, leading to some of the map changes seen above. The Empire helped with a couple.
Ongoing reforms, both social and political.
Increased taxes on the rich (investment taxes + sales taxes).
The Koinonikistai splits, most joining the KRA, the remainder reforming the Koinonikistai under the same platform (but more extreme).
Olympics in 1922 and 1923. We host the ones in 1923 in Barcelona.
A massive fascist rebellion in 1925 (@Sancronis has been given leave to write all about it)
A smaller Spanish rebellion in 1925.
Edit: also, I picked this up at my local library today. Here's hoping it'll inspire another 'flavor' update.
))
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The years had not been kind to Donatello Favero. The duke had become increasingly paranoid and had started to lose his hair, making him appear even more squirrelly and nervous. He remained mostly silent during Senate meetings, although the moment Italy was mentioned he would start on a long tirade about the evils of the rebel state and why it needed to be destroyed. The other senators had long since learned not to mention the topic within his presence. Most of his time during these meetings involved jotting down notes and cackling quietly to himself. If anyone approached him or tried to ask what he was doing, he'd quickly cover up his notes and acted as though nothing were wrong. Most people had simply started avoiding him, thinking he was slipping into madness. For all appearances, that seemed exactly to be the case. Donatello knew what everyone thought of him, but he did not care. He had a greater purpose in life than debating imperial policy with his fellow senators. He would not rest until he defeated the Empire's greatest enemy, the traitors who held the sacred city of Rome in their filthy rebel hands. The Emperor and many of the other senators did not seem as concerned that Rome, the birthplace of the Empire, remained under enemy control. Donatello supposed the Emperor had to consider all his subjects, not just those suffering under foreign rule. Let them handle imperial matters while he found a way to save those that had been lost. He just had to find a proper solution first. For now he would continue drafting plans and schemes, and perhaps one day he'd find a way to bring Italy back under imperial rule.
((I know Italy and some other rebel states are supposed to stay independent to make things interesting for HOI3, but that won't stop Donatello brooding about it. Idhrendur, if anything weird or crazy happens with Italy in-game, feel free to blame it on Donatello in some way.
))
((I know Italy and some other rebel states are supposed to stay independent to make things interesting for HOI3, but that won't stop Donatello brooding about it. Idhrendur, if anything weird or crazy happens with Italy in-game, feel free to blame it on Donatello in some way.
))
("Early Interwar Bombers"? I can't imagine that they're being called that at the time. )
)
((Oh no. Not a stock market crash in Aoteorea! I don't know enough about economics to write about that!))
((Private))
Forming the KRA was probably the only relevant political thing Theodora had done in years. And then nothing else happened. For that matter, not much had happened since...since a certain incident in 1919. She couldn't remember exactly what that incident was. The only thing important that happened that year was a senate session. It was just an average senate session. Senators discussed and debated policy, the various ministers announced what the rebel scum's dastardly plan of the week was (and how to foil it), and the Emperor listened to them. It was just boring, to be honest. So boring she had invited everybody to a social gathering at her estate to make it not boring, only for that to be boring as well!
There was that strange woman who showed up at her door, warning of an impending Cult attack. Sometimes she found herself wishing that the Cult had attacked, because they didn't, and the whole day was just boring. She did arrest a few Cultists outside her house, but nobody important. Even the Cult wasn't doing anything lately. Were they bored as well? Why didn't they just do something interesting, like maybe bomb an orphanage or shoot some dogs or kill themselves? At least she didn't have to spend her days filing paperwork. She remembered when she was younger, when things were more flashy and interesting and she wasn't stuck behind a desk. She actually envied her husband for mostly staying at home (when not commanding troops) and interacting with the kids...that is, until the kids went off to the Pandidakterion and the War Academy, allowing her husband to go back to the army full-time (though by then he had also been booted upstairs to a desk job). Meanwhile, Ioannes and John-Loukas were probably laughing their heads off as they embarked on their latest adventure against the Cult and the rebel scum.
The latest announcement of a senate session was a godsend. It had been five or six years since the last session, and she missed talking with her fellow senators. She eagerly packed her bags, got in her car (not bothering to wait for her chauffeur, whom she told to go "take a break" until she got back), and drove all the way to Constantinople. The traffic was horrible, as usual. Parking was even worse. She probably spent more time looking for parking than being stuck in traffic on Mese Street. Apparently even senators didn't get a reserved parking space.
She eventually did find parking, but it was on the wrong side of the Augustaeon Square, which as usual was swarming with tourists from across the Empire. She had about an hour before the session began, and she still had to put her stuff away at her secondary residence in the palace. Who knew that "interesting" had to be this annoying?
"Believe me, it's not," said a voice behind her.
She spun around, seeing a tall man in a black business suit and fedora standing behind her. He spoke with a light accent that was somewhere between German and medieval Greek.
"Do I know you?" Theodora said.
"I'm a family friend," said the man, "I apologize for meeting you like this. But I've been quite busy lately."
"Look, I have to get going," said Theodora, "I'll talk to you later if it's important. What's your name?"
"Just call me Wilhelm, Theodora," said the man.
Theodora tensed up. "I never told you my name."
"Your father told me all about you," said Wilhelm, "And we've met before."
"I have not," said Theodora.
Wilhelm hesitated. "Oh, right," said Wilhelm, "I forgot about that, pardon the pun. It's been so long for me since then...anyways, you got to get to the Senate, so I'll let you go now. I'll see you around."
Theodora blinked, and he was gone. She stared at the spot where the man once was, not believing her eyes. She looked around, seeing if anybody else had seen him. But nobody around her paid the slightest attention to the man who had just vanished. That was impossible. A man had disappeared right before her eyes, and nobody noticed? Was she mad?
She knew she was getting old, but she never thought she would get any of those mental deficiencies that came with old age. Her father and grandfather never suffered a mental decline. Well, her father didn't die that old, but still. She decided it was some kind of trick of the eye.
Now, she had a senate session to attend. She wasn't going to miss this one. Filing away the incident deep in her mind, Theodora turned around and continued walking towards the palace.
Forming the KRA was probably the only relevant political thing Theodora had done in years. And then nothing else happened. For that matter, not much had happened since...since a certain incident in 1919. She couldn't remember exactly what that incident was. The only thing important that happened that year was a senate session. It was just an average senate session. Senators discussed and debated policy, the various ministers announced what the rebel scum's dastardly plan of the week was (and how to foil it), and the Emperor listened to them. It was just boring, to be honest. So boring she had invited everybody to a social gathering at her estate to make it not boring, only for that to be boring as well!
There was that strange woman who showed up at her door, warning of an impending Cult attack. Sometimes she found herself wishing that the Cult had attacked, because they didn't, and the whole day was just boring. She did arrest a few Cultists outside her house, but nobody important. Even the Cult wasn't doing anything lately. Were they bored as well? Why didn't they just do something interesting, like maybe bomb an orphanage or shoot some dogs or kill themselves? At least she didn't have to spend her days filing paperwork. She remembered when she was younger, when things were more flashy and interesting and she wasn't stuck behind a desk. She actually envied her husband for mostly staying at home (when not commanding troops) and interacting with the kids...that is, until the kids went off to the Pandidakterion and the War Academy, allowing her husband to go back to the army full-time (though by then he had also been booted upstairs to a desk job). Meanwhile, Ioannes and John-Loukas were probably laughing their heads off as they embarked on their latest adventure against the Cult and the rebel scum.
The latest announcement of a senate session was a godsend. It had been five or six years since the last session, and she missed talking with her fellow senators. She eagerly packed her bags, got in her car (not bothering to wait for her chauffeur, whom she told to go "take a break" until she got back), and drove all the way to Constantinople. The traffic was horrible, as usual. Parking was even worse. She probably spent more time looking for parking than being stuck in traffic on Mese Street. Apparently even senators didn't get a reserved parking space.
She eventually did find parking, but it was on the wrong side of the Augustaeon Square, which as usual was swarming with tourists from across the Empire. She had about an hour before the session began, and she still had to put her stuff away at her secondary residence in the palace. Who knew that "interesting" had to be this annoying?
"Believe me, it's not," said a voice behind her.
She spun around, seeing a tall man in a black business suit and fedora standing behind her. He spoke with a light accent that was somewhere between German and medieval Greek.
"Do I know you?" Theodora said.
"I'm a family friend," said the man, "I apologize for meeting you like this. But I've been quite busy lately."
"Look, I have to get going," said Theodora, "I'll talk to you later if it's important. What's your name?"
"Just call me Wilhelm, Theodora," said the man.
Theodora tensed up. "I never told you my name."
"Your father told me all about you," said Wilhelm, "And we've met before."
"I have not," said Theodora.
Wilhelm hesitated. "Oh, right," said Wilhelm, "I forgot about that, pardon the pun. It's been so long for me since then...anyways, you got to get to the Senate, so I'll let you go now. I'll see you around."
Theodora blinked, and he was gone. She stared at the spot where the man once was, not believing her eyes. She looked around, seeing if anybody else had seen him. But nobody around her paid the slightest attention to the man who had just vanished. That was impossible. A man had disappeared right before her eyes, and nobody noticed? Was she mad?
She knew she was getting old, but she never thought she would get any of those mental deficiencies that came with old age. Her father and grandfather never suffered a mental decline. Well, her father didn't die that old, but still. She decided it was some kind of trick of the eye.
Now, she had a senate session to attend. She wasn't going to miss this one. Filing away the incident deep in her mind, Theodora turned around and continued walking towards the palace.
((How bad was the Aoteorean Stock Market Crash and who else besides Aoteorea was affected? Would it be comparable to Black Tuesday, the Dot-com crash or a more localized recession (akin to Black Friday)? And is it safe to assume that the dates on the newspapers are in Gregorian? @Idhrendur))
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(( It looks to be a localized crash, and more a bad choice of factories built. I'll probably invest in building some ones it can take advantage of (input it can get, outputs that will sell) next time I play.
And while Paradox doesn't put in leap years, we can just say the newspapers are in Gregorian for the sake of simplicity. ))
And while Paradox doesn't put in leap years, we can just say the newspapers are in Gregorian for the sake of simplicity. ))
110. 1921-1926 - International Affairs
Senators,
We had hoped that Our reign could be a reign of peace and prosperity, despite the first few years. Alas, the world is fallen and sinful, and doomed to war and violence.
Let us start with international events of the last five years. Days after the last address, the American continents were brought into the spheres of influence of American powers, apart from Guyana and the Caribbean.
As the balance of power shifted in the world, Ming asked for an alliance, which We granted. That alliance would keep them from waging war on Us, and would hopefully create stability.
Of course, this did nothing to help Poland-Lithuania, who capitulated to Germany, splitting their territory.
In January of 1922, Haiti nationalized all Imperial holdings in their territory. While this was a blow to Our finances, it was not worth a war, so We wished them good use of their railroads and factories.
Then in February of 1922, Germany declared war on Russia in order to ‘protect the German peoples in Pskov’.
The world looked bright for a moment in July of 1922, as the Olympics saw continued victory for Our athletes.
But then at the end of August, India declared war on Iran to expand their control over Southeast Asia. We agreed to support them in this war, seeing that Iran was weak and that a lack of support would cost us the alliance. Iran foolishly decided to send an attack against Us instead of India, so We brought the legions back to full funding. To pay for the legions, We increased funding on businesses and investments. But more on these internal matters later.
Repeated victories over Iranian attacks, plus a march on their capital – supported by the Armenian Air Force – saw Iran surrender in November 1922. The border fortifications had kept the people of the Empire safe, and the legions had repelled the Iranian forces. The battle losses were greater than they should have been, so We kept the legions fully funded after the war had ended.
By the end of 1922, Germany had made peace with Russia.
In 1923, We were given the chance to yet again host the Olympic games, this time in Barcelona. We gladly accepted.
In April 1924, Ming asked Us to help subdue Tibet. We were not pleased by this, but the war would happen with or without Our help, and refusing would cost Us the alliance with Ming. We accepted, but needed to send no legions. The war ended just months later, with the largest section of Tibet under Ming rule.
In August of 1924, Germany declared war on Burgundy. This war would end in a white peace in 1925.
And then Scandinavia declared war on Russia. This would be even bigger than the war against Persia, but We agreed to help against Our old foe. The war involved some tough battles at both land and sea, but before the end of the year Russia surrendered.
March of 1925 saw Russia declare war on Poland-Lithuania to seize Estonia. They accomplished this goal in the fall.
Despite the wars and rebellions, the Olympic games still were held in May of 1925.
So yes, the world was a violent place these last five years. And We were more involved in this violence than We desire. Let us take a short break, and then We will report on internal affairs in the Empire.
We had hoped that Our reign could be a reign of peace and prosperity, despite the first few years. Alas, the world is fallen and sinful, and doomed to war and violence.
Let us start with international events of the last five years. Days after the last address, the American continents were brought into the spheres of influence of American powers, apart from Guyana and the Caribbean.
As the balance of power shifted in the world, Ming asked for an alliance, which We granted. That alliance would keep them from waging war on Us, and would hopefully create stability.
Of course, this did nothing to help Poland-Lithuania, who capitulated to Germany, splitting their territory.
In January of 1922, Haiti nationalized all Imperial holdings in their territory. While this was a blow to Our finances, it was not worth a war, so We wished them good use of their railroads and factories.
Then in February of 1922, Germany declared war on Russia in order to ‘protect the German peoples in Pskov’.
The world looked bright for a moment in July of 1922, as the Olympics saw continued victory for Our athletes.
But then at the end of August, India declared war on Iran to expand their control over Southeast Asia. We agreed to support them in this war, seeing that Iran was weak and that a lack of support would cost us the alliance. Iran foolishly decided to send an attack against Us instead of India, so We brought the legions back to full funding. To pay for the legions, We increased funding on businesses and investments. But more on these internal matters later.
Repeated victories over Iranian attacks, plus a march on their capital – supported by the Armenian Air Force – saw Iran surrender in November 1922. The border fortifications had kept the people of the Empire safe, and the legions had repelled the Iranian forces. The battle losses were greater than they should have been, so We kept the legions fully funded after the war had ended.
By the end of 1922, Germany had made peace with Russia.
In 1923, We were given the chance to yet again host the Olympic games, this time in Barcelona. We gladly accepted.
In April 1924, Ming asked Us to help subdue Tibet. We were not pleased by this, but the war would happen with or without Our help, and refusing would cost Us the alliance with Ming. We accepted, but needed to send no legions. The war ended just months later, with the largest section of Tibet under Ming rule.
In August of 1924, Germany declared war on Burgundy. This war would end in a white peace in 1925.
And then Scandinavia declared war on Russia. This would be even bigger than the war against Persia, but We agreed to help against Our old foe. The war involved some tough battles at both land and sea, but before the end of the year Russia surrendered.
March of 1925 saw Russia declare war on Poland-Lithuania to seize Estonia. They accomplished this goal in the fall.
Despite the wars and rebellions, the Olympic games still were held in May of 1925.
So yes, the world was a violent place these last five years. And We were more involved in this violence than We desire. Let us take a short break, and then We will report on internal affairs in the Empire.
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Nothing much had happened within the Thaddai circle since the last session in 1921, if one were to look at the period in isolation. The Aotearoan Representatives in Constantinople continued its operations smoothly, as the employment of Tsakonotis and Pilokalos helped in properly splitting the work load among those at the HQ. Franco Lazaratos found himself outside of the Queen of Cities more and more often, traveling around the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea to relax and enjoy the sights. He did however, quickly return once everyone at the HQ heard the news that Nestorius was planning on visiting the capital in August of 1925, in order to see those that stayed.
In Aoteorea, Timon Thaddas had entered his adolescence in late 1924, and was approaching the age of 14 in 1925. With his father aged 76, Timon had begun thinking more and more about his future. He knew he would have to inherit the estate once his father passed, but he didn't know what to think of the senatorial seat. He felt more attached to his native Aoteorea than the far away lands of Hellada, even if he had been born there. He then thought about the possibility of making sure the small federal exarchate was still represented in the Senate, especially since Franco couldn't keep the seat warm forever. As he considered his life options, his mother Kyrene continued her work as Exarchess, making sure everything was fine. Manaaki Awerama was reelected to the position of Mesazon during this time, thus keeping the EKA she supported in control democratically, and waved Nestorius off as he left by boat to visit the mainland.
Nestorius made several stops during his trip before finally arriving back at the home of the Senate, the great capital of the Empire. Many hugs were shared, as they hadn't seen Ol' Ness in years. Nestor was surprised by Tsakonotis' presence, and the two shared a brotherly hug, before meeting the man Franco originally wanted for the position he had now. He was going to stay with the gang until early October, and thought that he was going to have a splendid time...
Unfortunately, things didn't turn out that way. On the 3rd of September, 1925 (August 21st on the Julian Calendar), Mávri Pémpti (Μαύρη Πέμπτη, Black Thursday) happened. The businesses of Aoteorea had been suffering from overconfidence as a result of many factors, including the growth of the economy, and overspeculation, leading to many poor choices being made in building factories for select industries. Combined with some increased overspending, soon, the speculation bubble burst. Due to the current ruling party's trade policy, among other factors, the crash was very much localized only on the islands. However, its impact could be felt immediately. The welfare state felt the burn, unemployment increased and a recession had begun. Many were less inclined to spend their money, and reliance on the state grew.
Manaaki and Kyrene quickly came out and made sure to assure the people that things were going to be fine. Despite this, cries for increased regulations were being heard in government circles. The two made themselves active, visiting business owners to see the situation head-on. The root of the crash had to be discovered. Once one of them, the poor factory choices, had been discovered, grants were handed to businesses opening certain factories in industries that the state could take advantage of, in terms of input it can get, and output it will sell. However, grants alone can't stop a recession. The public was assured that the government was focusing on dealing with the economic downturn, and that plans were being formed.
The shock of the crash affected the entire Thaddai circle. Kyrene made an effort to appear calm in the face of adversity, but in private she was incredibly stressed over the state of the economy, as the fledgling exarchate had only existed for a decade. She tried her best to keep the public calm along with Manaaki, but she knew that there would be growing dissatisfaction as long as this recession continued. She didn't want to risk the reappearance of the same elements which allowed Tane to come to power.
Nestorius had to cut his visit short, feeling as though he should be on the islands to help with the situation, despite wanting to see those at the Senate for the upcoming session. He said his goodbyes, and left Constantinople in mid-September. Once he returned to Aoteorea, he joined his wife in helping the public stay calm. Meanwhile, Timon's introspection over the future has received a major kickstart with the recession, as he was forced to deal with more adult topics such as the economy.
Back in Constantinople, the HQ got into high gear, especially with the Senate getting together in January. Franco got himself ready, and made sure to get informed of the details of the situation in Aoteorea. He hoped that perhaps the recession will be mentioned during the address.
((An online buddy of mine who took business in college helped me in developing the details of Black Thursday with the information given, so kudos to him.))
In Aoteorea, Timon Thaddas had entered his adolescence in late 1924, and was approaching the age of 14 in 1925. With his father aged 76, Timon had begun thinking more and more about his future. He knew he would have to inherit the estate once his father passed, but he didn't know what to think of the senatorial seat. He felt more attached to his native Aoteorea than the far away lands of Hellada, even if he had been born there. He then thought about the possibility of making sure the small federal exarchate was still represented in the Senate, especially since Franco couldn't keep the seat warm forever. As he considered his life options, his mother Kyrene continued her work as Exarchess, making sure everything was fine. Manaaki Awerama was reelected to the position of Mesazon during this time, thus keeping the EKA she supported in control democratically, and waved Nestorius off as he left by boat to visit the mainland.
Nestorius made several stops during his trip before finally arriving back at the home of the Senate, the great capital of the Empire. Many hugs were shared, as they hadn't seen Ol' Ness in years. Nestor was surprised by Tsakonotis' presence, and the two shared a brotherly hug, before meeting the man Franco originally wanted for the position he had now. He was going to stay with the gang until early October, and thought that he was going to have a splendid time...
Unfortunately, things didn't turn out that way. On the 3rd of September, 1925 (August 21st on the Julian Calendar), Mávri Pémpti (Μαύρη Πέμπτη, Black Thursday) happened. The businesses of Aoteorea had been suffering from overconfidence as a result of many factors, including the growth of the economy, and overspeculation, leading to many poor choices being made in building factories for select industries. Combined with some increased overspending, soon, the speculation bubble burst. Due to the current ruling party's trade policy, among other factors, the crash was very much localized only on the islands. However, its impact could be felt immediately. The welfare state felt the burn, unemployment increased and a recession had begun. Many were less inclined to spend their money, and reliance on the state grew.
Manaaki and Kyrene quickly came out and made sure to assure the people that things were going to be fine. Despite this, cries for increased regulations were being heard in government circles. The two made themselves active, visiting business owners to see the situation head-on. The root of the crash had to be discovered. Once one of them, the poor factory choices, had been discovered, grants were handed to businesses opening certain factories in industries that the state could take advantage of, in terms of input it can get, and output it will sell. However, grants alone can't stop a recession. The public was assured that the government was focusing on dealing with the economic downturn, and that plans were being formed.
The shock of the crash affected the entire Thaddai circle. Kyrene made an effort to appear calm in the face of adversity, but in private she was incredibly stressed over the state of the economy, as the fledgling exarchate had only existed for a decade. She tried her best to keep the public calm along with Manaaki, but she knew that there would be growing dissatisfaction as long as this recession continued. She didn't want to risk the reappearance of the same elements which allowed Tane to come to power.
Nestorius had to cut his visit short, feeling as though he should be on the islands to help with the situation, despite wanting to see those at the Senate for the upcoming session. He said his goodbyes, and left Constantinople in mid-September. Once he returned to Aoteorea, he joined his wife in helping the public stay calm. Meanwhile, Timon's introspection over the future has received a major kickstart with the recession, as he was forced to deal with more adult topics such as the economy.
Back in Constantinople, the HQ got into high gear, especially with the Senate getting together in January. Franco got himself ready, and made sure to get informed of the details of the situation in Aoteorea. He hoped that perhaps the recession will be mentioned during the address.
((An online buddy of mine who took business in college helped me in developing the details of Black Thursday with the information given, so kudos to him.))
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110. 1921-1926 - Senate Responses
The years had not been kind to Donatello Favero. The duke had become increasingly paranoid and had started to lose his hair, making him appear even more squirrelly and nervous. He remained mostly silent during Senate meetings, although the moment Italy was mentioned he would start on a long tirade about the evils of the rebel state and why it needed to be destroyed. The other senators had long since learned not to mention the topic within his presence. Most of his time during these meetings involved jotting down notes and cackling quietly to himself. If anyone approached him or tried to ask what he was doing, he'd quickly cover up his notes and acted as though nothing were wrong. Most people had simply started avoiding him, thinking he was slipping into madness. For all appearances, that seemed exactly to be the case. Donatello knew what everyone thought of him, but he did not care. He had a greater purpose in life than debating imperial policy with his fellow senators. He would not rest until he defeated the Empire's greatest enemy, the traitors who held the sacred city of Rome in their filthy rebel hands. The Emperor and many of the other senators did not seem as concerned that Rome, the birthplace of the Empire, remained under enemy control. Donatello supposed the Emperor had to consider all his subjects, not just those suffering under foreign rule. Let them handle imperial matters while he found a way to save those that had been lost. He just had to find a proper solution first. For now he would continue drafting plans and schemes, and perhaps one day he'd find a way to bring Italy back under imperial rule.
((I know Italy and some other rebel states are supposed to stay independent to make things interesting for HOI3, but that won't stop Donatello brooding about it. Idhrendur, if anything weird or crazy happens with Italy in-game, feel free to blame it on Donatello in some way.
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110. 1921-1926 - Senate Responses
110. 1921-1926 - Internal Affairs
Welcome back from break, Senators. Let Us review affairs internal to the Empire.
During these last five years, the Imperial Air Force has developed new aircraft and tactics.
In December of 1921, We implemented further restrictions of working hours, mandating a maximum of eight hours (left the workers be given overtime pay), one longer meal break, and two shorter breaks. At the Empire’s level of industrialization, this had no ill effect, and left workers even more time to enjoy their earnings.
Then in January of 1922, We noticed that Imperial investments in industry were continuing to drain the Empire’s coffers. We increased the tax rate on investments to 35% to offset this trend.
In February of 1922, the Imperial Museum was finally able to secure a collection of Impressionist artworks, and held a wonderful exhibition before incorporating them into the usual displays.
Also in February 1922, the University of Constantinople delivered their report on Mass Politics in the Empire. We thereafter tasked the legions with revising their divisional structure with the knowledge gained from the Great War.
During this time, the Admiralty also continued improving the navy.
And not only did the legions improve their structure, they improved their tactics and equipment.
In June of 1922, We set the minimum wage in the Empire to automatically increase to match inflation. The workers would not be left behind as times changed.
In mid-1922, the Koinonikistai political group split. Many of them saw common cause with Senator Doukas’ Komma Romanitas Autokratorikos coalition and joined it. The remaining members saw this as compromise with the Bourgeoise and re-proclaimed the Koinonikistai party, much weakened but more militant. Seeing this shift in Senatorial politics and the subtle machinations of the bureaucracy, We officially gave the KRA charge of the bureaucracy.
That summer also saw the completion of fortifications on many of the Empire’s borders.
Of course, it was only after the war with Iran that the legions’ new divisional structure had been devised.
That completed, We tasked the admiralty with incorporating all the latest technologies into the fleets.
And then in December, We began allowing members of the general populace to associate with the Empire’s nascent political parties. However, the restrictions on the bureaucracy remained. Instead, We began hand-selecting directors for the bureaucracy that more generally represented the Empire, rather than just ones of the party most in Our favor. Of course, it soon became clear that the bureaucracy had quite a diversity of opinions, and had merely been hiding them after the purge during the Time of Troubles.
1923 began seeing more news pertaining to the socialist state of mind. Fortunately, this wasn’t terribly relevant to the Empire, with its excellent working conditions. But on review, We found that there were still many of the poor in want. So, We revised the income taxes to be ‘progressive’ in nature, tuned so that the most desperate paid no taxes. With the increased investment taxes of 1922, the Empire’s budget was still positive.
In June 1923, We allowed members of the bureaucracy to associate with political parties, but they had to officially register their association.
When the admiralty finished planning their design improvements, We looked to improve industry via an innovation many others had adopted: assembly lines.
By the end of 1923, We found that the various consumption and sales taxes were unnecessary, and removed them. And in December of 1923, the party registrations of the bureaucracy had found nothing untoward, so We removed that requirement. Now everyone in the Empire could freely associate with the parties they wished.
In March of 1924, assembly lines began being applied to factories all throughout the Empire. We again gave the admiralty a task: integrating with the other forces in the Empire.
They finished this by November, and We asked them to update their training methods yet again.
Now, there had been various strikes, and even some violence, but January 1925 saw something We had hoped had passed: a large uprising, this time fascists.
This was itself followed by a Spanish nationalist uprising in March.
Fortunately, the Spanish uprising was beaten back in time for the Olympics.
And when the fascists were cleared from Egypt, archaeologists were finally able to report their discoveries in a tomb from the 18th dynasty.
The fascists were fully defeated just a month ago.
Finally, when the admiralty had finished devising better training, We asked various captains of industry to develop better clothing for the legions.
During these last five years, the Imperial Air Force has developed new aircraft and tactics.
In December of 1921, We implemented further restrictions of working hours, mandating a maximum of eight hours (left the workers be given overtime pay), one longer meal break, and two shorter breaks. At the Empire’s level of industrialization, this had no ill effect, and left workers even more time to enjoy their earnings.
Then in January of 1922, We noticed that Imperial investments in industry were continuing to drain the Empire’s coffers. We increased the tax rate on investments to 35% to offset this trend.
In February of 1922, the Imperial Museum was finally able to secure a collection of Impressionist artworks, and held a wonderful exhibition before incorporating them into the usual displays.
Also in February 1922, the University of Constantinople delivered their report on Mass Politics in the Empire. We thereafter tasked the legions with revising their divisional structure with the knowledge gained from the Great War.
During this time, the Admiralty also continued improving the navy.
And not only did the legions improve their structure, they improved their tactics and equipment.
In June of 1922, We set the minimum wage in the Empire to automatically increase to match inflation. The workers would not be left behind as times changed.
In mid-1922, the Koinonikistai political group split. Many of them saw common cause with Senator Doukas’ Komma Romanitas Autokratorikos coalition and joined it. The remaining members saw this as compromise with the Bourgeoise and re-proclaimed the Koinonikistai party, much weakened but more militant. Seeing this shift in Senatorial politics and the subtle machinations of the bureaucracy, We officially gave the KRA charge of the bureaucracy.
That summer also saw the completion of fortifications on many of the Empire’s borders.
Of course, it was only after the war with Iran that the legions’ new divisional structure had been devised.
That completed, We tasked the admiralty with incorporating all the latest technologies into the fleets.
And then in December, We began allowing members of the general populace to associate with the Empire’s nascent political parties. However, the restrictions on the bureaucracy remained. Instead, We began hand-selecting directors for the bureaucracy that more generally represented the Empire, rather than just ones of the party most in Our favor. Of course, it soon became clear that the bureaucracy had quite a diversity of opinions, and had merely been hiding them after the purge during the Time of Troubles.
1923 began seeing more news pertaining to the socialist state of mind. Fortunately, this wasn’t terribly relevant to the Empire, with its excellent working conditions. But on review, We found that there were still many of the poor in want. So, We revised the income taxes to be ‘progressive’ in nature, tuned so that the most desperate paid no taxes. With the increased investment taxes of 1922, the Empire’s budget was still positive.
In June 1923, We allowed members of the bureaucracy to associate with political parties, but they had to officially register their association.
When the admiralty finished planning their design improvements, We looked to improve industry via an innovation many others had adopted: assembly lines.
By the end of 1923, We found that the various consumption and sales taxes were unnecessary, and removed them. And in December of 1923, the party registrations of the bureaucracy had found nothing untoward, so We removed that requirement. Now everyone in the Empire could freely associate with the parties they wished.
In March of 1924, assembly lines began being applied to factories all throughout the Empire. We again gave the admiralty a task: integrating with the other forces in the Empire.
They finished this by November, and We asked them to update their training methods yet again.
Now, there had been various strikes, and even some violence, but January 1925 saw something We had hoped had passed: a large uprising, this time fascists.
This was itself followed by a Spanish nationalist uprising in March.
Fortunately, the Spanish uprising was beaten back in time for the Olympics.
And when the fascists were cleared from Egypt, archaeologists were finally able to report their discoveries in a tomb from the 18th dynasty.
The fascists were fully defeated just a month ago.
Finally, when the admiralty had finished devising better training, We asked various captains of industry to develop better clothing for the legions.
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((I'm not surprised that the fascists rose up if 24% of the senators were pro-fascist!))
((Can Theodora become the Prime Minister/Chancellor? Seeing as the KRA has a plurality in the Senate and we implemented a lot of political reforms it would make sense to appoint a head of government (though such a position would obviously be purely ceremonial).))
).))
(( I was planning on writing a longer post on the governmental structure, including on some of the history, but it looks like I should spell things out sooner.
First of all, the structure of the government isn't formalized in a constitution. It's most akin to an evolved Absolute Monarchy, but as Revolutions Podcast pointed out, even the French absolute monarchy in our timeline wasn't as absolute as you would think.
I see the government as having several arms:
So, as more direct replies, it's actually not the senate that's split nearly in four between conservative, liberal, socialist, and fascist, but the bureaucracy. Though it's the same unsurprising effect in the end. And sorry, but there's no role for a Prime Minister/Chancellor just yet. The Emperor is more apt to assign senators to smaller-scale functions. But ask again when I'm working the conversion to HoI4. Prince Konstantinos has been carrying on affairs with married women, and might not be as focused on government as he should once he comes to power. Actually, I do plan to allow people who have been involved in the AAR to add characters for the HoI4 part, but I need to figure out the details. ))
First of all, the structure of the government isn't formalized in a constitution. It's most akin to an evolved Absolute Monarchy, but as Revolutions Podcast pointed out, even the French absolute monarchy in our timeline wasn't as absolute as you would think.
I see the government as having several arms:
- The bureaucracy. Originally put in place to start weakening the feudal aristocracy, it largely does its own thing, and keeps doing it as it has for centuries. This was fortunate from 1821-1836 when there was no-one at the top of the government. But changing course could be difficult. If minor adjustments needed making, those happened fairly seamlessly. Major changes would be resisted. That is, until the purge during the Time of Troubles. That brought the bureaucracy more directly under the Emperor's control. Now it's being given more self-direction again. The top tiers of the bureaucracy may evolve into something like an unelected parliament, but it's not there yet. The upper house screen in Vic2 represents the make-up and direction of the bureaucracy. The bureaucracy handles most internal administration, including police and emergency services.
- The military. It has a high degree of loyalty to the Emperor. It exists for external use, though there are no formal protections against being used as a police force. That doesn't happen outside putting down violent rebellions, however. Exists in three branches: the legions (army), the admiralty (navy), and the air force.
- The Church. Much more closely tied to the central government than we are used to in our world. The school system started as part of the Church, apart from the University of Constantinople and the other universities formed as sister or branch campuses (which is a lot of universities, actually. Think University of California and California State University, but on an Imperial scale). The schools are technically still part of the Church, but are fairly independent of the churchy functions of the Church, and the Emperor has a lot of direct control. Other traditional functions of the Church (like hospitals, orphanages, care for the poor) are similar.
- The courts. Administer justice, handle civil disputes. There's probably been a couple of sets of legal reforms throughout the AAR, but nothing like the Napoleonic code to wipe the slate clean. If you ever thought American case law could get weird with the federal/state dived and 50 different states, then you really don't want to know the details of the Imperial Court System.
- The Senate. Reformed in 1836 in order to
pull powerful people into the Empresses' controlreward powerful people for holding the empire together from 1821-1836, it's evolved into something akin to the American presidential cabinet + American executive 'czars'. The different factions have evolved into political parties, and the Emperor has not been above using those parties as parallel administrative arms to get things done. In fact, that was how the bureaucracy was run until the reforms of the last couple years. - The Emperor. The buck stops with him. He (or those he assigns) serves as the legislature, the executive, and as the final authority in the court system. Is both the head of state and the head of government.
So, as more direct replies, it's actually not the senate that's split nearly in four between conservative, liberal, socialist, and fascist, but the bureaucracy. Though it's the same unsurprising effect in the end. And sorry, but there's no role for a Prime Minister/Chancellor just yet. The Emperor is more apt to assign senators to smaller-scale functions. But ask again when I'm working the conversion to HoI4. Prince Konstantinos has been carrying on affairs with married women, and might not be as focused on government as he should once he comes to power. Actually, I do plan to allow people who have been involved in the AAR to add characters for the HoI4 part, but I need to figure out the details. ))
Franco Lazaratos had avoided speaking for the most part, carefully listening to the Emperor's address. He didn't even speak during the break, seeming uncomforted over something. Those in the know would know why that is, but those that didn't would soon find out.
Once internal affairs were discussed, Franco spoke up. "While they may not exactly be considered part of internal affairs, has anything of importance happened in the federate states of South Africa, Namibia, Angola, the Congo and... Aoteorea?" he asked, once more seeming uncomforted after mentioning the Exarchate he represents.
Once internal affairs were discussed, Franco spoke up. "While they may not exactly be considered part of internal affairs, has anything of importance happened in the federate states of South Africa, Namibia, Angola, the Congo and... Aoteorea?" he asked, once more seeming uncomforted after mentioning the Exarchate he represents.