Caudillo said:
Afaik, Galicia, Galizien(Poland), even Galata in Asia Minor are connected by the ancient celts who settled there, see Gaelic..
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Afaik, Galicia, Galizien(Poland), even Galata in Asia Minor are connected by the ancient celts who settled there, see Gaelic..
Ringelnatz said:
The area called Galata was reconized at the time by what Greeks called the area, "Pera". The Gauls that settled there were hired mercenaries from Thrace-Dacia and settled there (from the Galata tribe?). There are still theories to the orginal name and its meaning...
Panzer tanks...
my favourite word
Anyway, this AAR is good! Keep going, we want to see Spanish South America again.
my favourite word
Anyway, this AAR is good! Keep going, we want to see Spanish South America again.
The Silver Age: A Spain AAR, Part 5
Historically, in 1864 small-scale war erupted between Spain, Peru and Chile called the Chincha Islands War as part of Queen Isabella II’s attempt to regain Spain’s former colonies. The entire expedition was proving to become inconclusive, so an alternative plan was made and, when the right circumstances were met, would be carried-out in various phases. This plan would take this new “Reconquista” in a whole different approach: every “phase” would be the full land invasion and occupation of a nation beginning with the weak unstable republic of the United States of Central America, the country would be made to a satellite state and any lands Spain finds strategically or economically important would be annexed into the Spanish Colonial Empire while the satellite states would be known to the Spanish Cortes as Viceroys as they previously were before the Napoleonic Wars.
What was focused on mostly though was on reality, not just plans. Spain did what they could to further prevent the Netherlands from fully conquering Indonesia without declaring war on them, the most recent example being the very quick conquest of Brunei, the northern and part of the western coasts of Borneo. Foreign Legion or “Nativo” armies were recruited consisting of the native Malay population letting the Spanish forces withdraw. The Netherlands as a response colonized even further into Java and Borneo, thus colonial war in the future was still a possibility. But more attention was again diverted to the economy and American interests rather than in Asia.
The Government and private companies finally got their hands on machine parts, which Spain sorely needed, and mass construction of railroads and factories began once again. Spanish Factories in the past proved to not be very profitable as life was mostly based on agriculture, but tens of thousands were educated to what some would consider higher forms of profession, some reaching as high as the middle class, which was almost non-existent, drastically improving factory profits. It was a very exciting moment for all involved in Spain’s future.
The entire Spanish Cortes and the Queen hold a conference to discuss the recent successes and future initiatives.
The Queen fanned herself and looked down at the arguing senators and then at President Gutiérrez signaling to begin. Gutiérrez stood up and the royal guards began banging their halberds on the floor, silencing the senators. He then sounded the small gong, beginning the assembly, and spoke.
“Representatives of the people, this sacred assembly is one of great importance. Thus, with no delay, we shall begin. Senators and Deputies of Congress, Her Majesty the Queen, Isabella II!”
The senators and deputies stood and politely clapped, some even cheered. The Queen stood and the president sat. She spoke in a soothing but strong voice, a voice that in oration no one could ignore.
“Me dear servants of the Cortes, you have led Spain out of very rough times and opened a great portal of possibilities. Political influence, military and economic might is at a high not seen for decades, perhaps even centuries. We will all leave this hall with a polished plan in all fields of interests in accomplishing what many Spaniards desire: reconquest, a new honourable Reconquista. Military and Economic expansion needs to be carefully coordinated while appeasing the citizens who share liberal beliefs. So, unlike my ancestors I cannot say that we have god’s blessing in this age of post-enlightenment and more reasonable religion, but with sweat and blood, the determination and courage of our people will be more than enough. Thus, what we have begun is a new era of power, a revival of Philip II’s time – what our great grandchildren will call: The Silver Age of Spain!”
There was fierce cheering among the congressmen showing clear support from the Cortes for the Queen’s ambitions. The Vice-presidents received the documents from their secretaries and stood to present to the Cortes the initiatives that were to be voted upon. All of them were proposed by the Queen herself and of course with help from her closest advisors. First Vice-President Baquedano presented first, then the others finishing with Fourth Vice-President Ruiz de la Vega.
“Cortes Generales! Initiative for the second expansion of the Ejército de Tierra and the Armada”, then Second Vice-President Antón de Luzuriaga “Initiative for the increase of military research and improvement”, Third Vice-President Soria “Initiative for the reestablishment of the Viceroys of the Americas”, which was probably the most controversial one of all, and finally Ruiz de la Vega “Initiative for the further industrialization of Spain.” The heads of all these projects, appointed by the Queen, spoke thoroughly of the details of the initiative in front of the Cortes. The senators and deputies would later get to vote on the actual initiative, which so far seemed to have their support, and their directors.
The legendary general Serrano was still very active in military affairs and gave his testimony.
“The Army has the needed structure of command, but suffers greatly in logistics. Engineers deserve a place in every armed force. These skilled soldiers are able to prepare the terrain for our troops in any scenario such as constructing trenches, walls, temporary battle forts, etc. Their greatest enemy is also a type of military division not present in our valiant army: artillery. Historically, Spanish Tercios have used artillery very well, but in this age of new technological breakthroughs we have fallen behind. This god-like firepower could very well turn the tides of hopeless battles.”
All were eager to carry out Serrano’s dream of a more formidable military it seemed. The Research and Technology Initiative was presented next by Luzuriaga.
“I have to agree with General Serrano, we are falling behind in military technology. This initiative could coordinate with the first and do wonders for our military and even compete with those of France of the United Kingdom, but any army no matter how advanced is dead in the water without floating fortresses: the navy. The Spanish Armada is very dated. While we take pride in our only steamer ship, other nations have almost fully converted to the iron age. Spain needs to do the same!”
One of the senators stood and replied: “It might be dated, but I think the nation has a better interest in the fields of culture, commerce, and industry. I agree with the increase research of the military in general, but let us not get mad on this subject or our new vibrant industry will rotten.”
This is when the Cortes took sides on the Queen’s initiatives. Fortunately for the Third vice-President the argument did not last long so he could present his plan.
“Peru and Chile have tested our military just this year and the conflict has yet to be resolved. It is a disgrace for these barbarians to, after they have gained independence, murder Spanish citizens within the country, which they very well knew it would start war. Thus, they deserve no independence for their acts, for they have presented themselves as uncivilized. We must not let them forget what they have started. They have brought war onto themselves, and it is now the time for us to take this into our control. It will start in the United States of Central America, we shall annex Panama, and move south when prepared. These “nations” will orbit their motherland firmly once again.”
A few pacifists objected to it, but most were war-hawks. This was the perfect opportunity to spread Spanish influence onto the American mainland once again. The last initiative was finally presented, which after the congressmen would vote with the Queen’s blessing.
“While Spain turns its attention to other fields of interests such at foreign affairs and military technology, let us not forget that the country is in the middle of an industrial revolution. I am simply proposing a balance between military spending and spending of the construction of factories and industrial technology. Without progress in that sector a military would not be affordable and your desires of military action against the Americas would come at a great cost. This initiative includes the funding of a machine parts factory, steamer factory, various others and the expansion of the steel industry.”
And thus the voting began, the results would be pretty obvious. This great assembly paved the way for what was famously called by Queen Isabella II: “The Silver Age”.
Naval Expedition to Chile and Peru, Chincha Islands War
V. 1864
Historically, in 1864 small-scale war erupted between Spain, Peru and Chile called the Chincha Islands War as part of Queen Isabella II’s attempt to regain Spain’s former colonies. The entire expedition was proving to become inconclusive, so an alternative plan was made and, when the right circumstances were met, would be carried-out in various phases. This plan would take this new “Reconquista” in a whole different approach: every “phase” would be the full land invasion and occupation of a nation beginning with the weak unstable republic of the United States of Central America, the country would be made to a satellite state and any lands Spain finds strategically or economically important would be annexed into the Spanish Colonial Empire while the satellite states would be known to the Spanish Cortes as Viceroys as they previously were before the Napoleonic Wars.
What was focused on mostly though was on reality, not just plans. Spain did what they could to further prevent the Netherlands from fully conquering Indonesia without declaring war on them, the most recent example being the very quick conquest of Brunei, the northern and part of the western coasts of Borneo. Foreign Legion or “Nativo” armies were recruited consisting of the native Malay population letting the Spanish forces withdraw. The Netherlands as a response colonized even further into Java and Borneo, thus colonial war in the future was still a possibility. But more attention was again diverted to the economy and American interests rather than in Asia.
The Government and private companies finally got their hands on machine parts, which Spain sorely needed, and mass construction of railroads and factories began once again. Spanish Factories in the past proved to not be very profitable as life was mostly based on agriculture, but tens of thousands were educated to what some would consider higher forms of profession, some reaching as high as the middle class, which was almost non-existent, drastically improving factory profits. It was a very exciting moment for all involved in Spain’s future.
The entire Spanish Cortes and the Queen hold a conference to discuss the recent successes and future initiatives.
The Queen fanned herself and looked down at the arguing senators and then at President Gutiérrez signaling to begin. Gutiérrez stood up and the royal guards began banging their halberds on the floor, silencing the senators. He then sounded the small gong, beginning the assembly, and spoke.
“Representatives of the people, this sacred assembly is one of great importance. Thus, with no delay, we shall begin. Senators and Deputies of Congress, Her Majesty the Queen, Isabella II!”
The senators and deputies stood and politely clapped, some even cheered. The Queen stood and the president sat. She spoke in a soothing but strong voice, a voice that in oration no one could ignore.
“Me dear servants of the Cortes, you have led Spain out of very rough times and opened a great portal of possibilities. Political influence, military and economic might is at a high not seen for decades, perhaps even centuries. We will all leave this hall with a polished plan in all fields of interests in accomplishing what many Spaniards desire: reconquest, a new honourable Reconquista. Military and Economic expansion needs to be carefully coordinated while appeasing the citizens who share liberal beliefs. So, unlike my ancestors I cannot say that we have god’s blessing in this age of post-enlightenment and more reasonable religion, but with sweat and blood, the determination and courage of our people will be more than enough. Thus, what we have begun is a new era of power, a revival of Philip II’s time – what our great grandchildren will call: The Silver Age of Spain!”
There was fierce cheering among the congressmen showing clear support from the Cortes for the Queen’s ambitions. The Vice-presidents received the documents from their secretaries and stood to present to the Cortes the initiatives that were to be voted upon. All of them were proposed by the Queen herself and of course with help from her closest advisors. First Vice-President Baquedano presented first, then the others finishing with Fourth Vice-President Ruiz de la Vega.
“Cortes Generales! Initiative for the second expansion of the Ejército de Tierra and the Armada”, then Second Vice-President Antón de Luzuriaga “Initiative for the increase of military research and improvement”, Third Vice-President Soria “Initiative for the reestablishment of the Viceroys of the Americas”, which was probably the most controversial one of all, and finally Ruiz de la Vega “Initiative for the further industrialization of Spain.” The heads of all these projects, appointed by the Queen, spoke thoroughly of the details of the initiative in front of the Cortes. The senators and deputies would later get to vote on the actual initiative, which so far seemed to have their support, and their directors.
The legendary general Serrano was still very active in military affairs and gave his testimony.
“The Army has the needed structure of command, but suffers greatly in logistics. Engineers deserve a place in every armed force. These skilled soldiers are able to prepare the terrain for our troops in any scenario such as constructing trenches, walls, temporary battle forts, etc. Their greatest enemy is also a type of military division not present in our valiant army: artillery. Historically, Spanish Tercios have used artillery very well, but in this age of new technological breakthroughs we have fallen behind. This god-like firepower could very well turn the tides of hopeless battles.”
All were eager to carry out Serrano’s dream of a more formidable military it seemed. The Research and Technology Initiative was presented next by Luzuriaga.
“I have to agree with General Serrano, we are falling behind in military technology. This initiative could coordinate with the first and do wonders for our military and even compete with those of France of the United Kingdom, but any army no matter how advanced is dead in the water without floating fortresses: the navy. The Spanish Armada is very dated. While we take pride in our only steamer ship, other nations have almost fully converted to the iron age. Spain needs to do the same!”
One of the senators stood and replied: “It might be dated, but I think the nation has a better interest in the fields of culture, commerce, and industry. I agree with the increase research of the military in general, but let us not get mad on this subject or our new vibrant industry will rotten.”
This is when the Cortes took sides on the Queen’s initiatives. Fortunately for the Third vice-President the argument did not last long so he could present his plan.
“Peru and Chile have tested our military just this year and the conflict has yet to be resolved. It is a disgrace for these barbarians to, after they have gained independence, murder Spanish citizens within the country, which they very well knew it would start war. Thus, they deserve no independence for their acts, for they have presented themselves as uncivilized. We must not let them forget what they have started. They have brought war onto themselves, and it is now the time for us to take this into our control. It will start in the United States of Central America, we shall annex Panama, and move south when prepared. These “nations” will orbit their motherland firmly once again.”
A few pacifists objected to it, but most were war-hawks. This was the perfect opportunity to spread Spanish influence onto the American mainland once again. The last initiative was finally presented, which after the congressmen would vote with the Queen’s blessing.
“While Spain turns its attention to other fields of interests such at foreign affairs and military technology, let us not forget that the country is in the middle of an industrial revolution. I am simply proposing a balance between military spending and spending of the construction of factories and industrial technology. Without progress in that sector a military would not be affordable and your desires of military action against the Americas would come at a great cost. This initiative includes the funding of a machine parts factory, steamer factory, various others and the expansion of the steel industry.”
And thus the voting began, the results would be pretty obvious. This great assembly paved the way for what was famously called by Queen Isabella II: “The Silver Age”.
Quite a vision being espoused there. So, you're going to line the Latin American states up like dominoes, and then knock them down? Works for me.
Impressive goals, I hope they work out for you. Badboy could be a real killer. Let the Silver Age begin!
prussiablue said:
I think America has been traumatized by the United Kingdom almost conquering them about 20 years ago
The Silver Age: A Spain AAR, Part 6
Spanish Artillery Repel Central American Forces
VI. 1870
Beginning in the mid-1860s larger and costlier military expansion and industrial development was ordered by the government. The Ejército de Tierra included an entire new corps consisting of specialists such as engineers and artillerymen, an expansion of the ’regulares’ force, and the divisions of natives in the colonies that proved to be able to repel any rebel uprisings with little or no casualties. Over 90% of mainland Spain was fully industrialized with railroads and already plans to upgrade them were being made. The factory work force expanded into the middle-class, contributing to the increase of factory profits.
War and international affairs, though, easily outweighed the economy in importance of issues this decade. January 2nd, 1867, after repeated threats of invasion and reconquest, in the name of Queen Isabella II, the Cortes declared war upon the decaying union of the United States of Central America. 84 000 Spanish troops landed on the shores of Trujillo days later with the Spanish Armada not far behind them. They were divided into three groups: the Mando General, the 1st Column, and the 2nd Column all under the command of Commander Díaz, a man of low birth. Like insects they spread north, south, and west laying siege on cities and razing the countryside. The 1st Column fully occupied Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica in days with no resistance, and the 2nd Column and the Mando General easily repelled the Ejército Federal, which withdrew to San Salvador.
The Mando General, commanded by Díaz obviously, and the 2nd Column surrounded the capital and two days later they laid siege to the city from the north and west. The battle of San Salvador was a logistical headache for the Spanish military as the Central Americans not only fortified themselves in the city, albeit crudely, but they also hid in the surrounding forests and disease struck down thousands. The initial battle finally began and after just eight days over 30 000 from both sides laid dead. Díaz occupied the capital and the 2nd Column set off north to capture the last enemy haven of Guadalupe.
The Armada finally reached the pacific in October of 1867 and shortly after crossing the equator spotted a frigate with the white and blue flag of the Central American Union proudly waving. After eight days of cat and mouse the frigate finally fired and the Spanish ships engaged known as the Battle, or Skirmish rather, of Carnegie Ridge. The last organized resistance to Spanish conquest sank in the dark blue Pacific.
The 2nd Column overran Guadalupe and eventually the city fell. News of the siege made the natives even more furious rather than more discouraged from fighting. Revolt sparked in Costa Rica where the 1st Column was patrolling. The poorly armed farmers lived very shortly after that as cannon balls from the recently established Spanish Artillery Division rained hell on the rebels. The news of the outcome of the battle reached Díaz and on October 13, 1867, he declared the Military of the United States of Centrl America and all resistance as “annihilated”. From then on, in the eyes of the Spanish people, the satellite state was a viceroy of the Kingdom. The war of the beginning of wars ended, all one could do was celebrate.
Commander Díaz casually celebrates with other leaders of the war.
The Presidential Palace was ripped from the inside by the drunken horde. The new Central American President or Viceroy would want to live in a hovel rather than this hellish place. It was Díaz’s idea and every officer went along with it.
“Lets play knives!” he yelled to the others.
“Knives? What is this?” Calderón replied, admiral of the Spanish Armada.
“It is like darts, but knives are used instead. This sophisticated game is reserved for very special occasions, such as when there is a portrait of a hideous former President around.”
All the officers immediately glanced at the painting of Francisco Morzarán, the last president of the USCA, and took out their knives, daggers, and even swords by some blood-thirsty lunatics. They all began attempting to strike the nose of the poor man, all failing in the process. They spent hours until they ran out of any pointy metals. There was only one left, a sword, which a commander, General Acosta to be exact, threw and struck the face of the painting perfectly.
“Perfect shot!” Calderón exclaimed to Acosta.
“What?”
“What do you mean what? You got him.”
“Oh, damn, I cannot see anything, I better sit down and lay off the wine.”
Hours of partying tired the others too. Some returned to their camp but most slept in the Palace like Acosta. They all woke in terror seeing the “portrait” breathing and covered in blood. Yes, that was Morzarán, not his painting. His portrait in fact was saved by his Presidential Guards in the Siege of San Salvador and was in perfect condition, so there was some good news.
“Acosta, you imbecile.”
“You could of told me!”
“Wine is like opium, you know that!”
Military police arrived on the report of a maid of the palace and arrested the officers who were court martialled and received a couple of years in jail, not for the attack but for disciplinary reasons. Morzarán amazingly survived and goes around telling everyone of his tail as last president. The actual portrait of Morzarán hangs proudly in the “Museo de Arte Marte”, and thus concludes the telling of those terrifying moments the painting went through.
Spanish Artillery Repel Central American Forces
VI. 1870
Beginning in the mid-1860s larger and costlier military expansion and industrial development was ordered by the government. The Ejército de Tierra included an entire new corps consisting of specialists such as engineers and artillerymen, an expansion of the ’regulares’ force, and the divisions of natives in the colonies that proved to be able to repel any rebel uprisings with little or no casualties. Over 90% of mainland Spain was fully industrialized with railroads and already plans to upgrade them were being made. The factory work force expanded into the middle-class, contributing to the increase of factory profits.
War and international affairs, though, easily outweighed the economy in importance of issues this decade. January 2nd, 1867, after repeated threats of invasion and reconquest, in the name of Queen Isabella II, the Cortes declared war upon the decaying union of the United States of Central America. 84 000 Spanish troops landed on the shores of Trujillo days later with the Spanish Armada not far behind them. They were divided into three groups: the Mando General, the 1st Column, and the 2nd Column all under the command of Commander Díaz, a man of low birth. Like insects they spread north, south, and west laying siege on cities and razing the countryside. The 1st Column fully occupied Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica in days with no resistance, and the 2nd Column and the Mando General easily repelled the Ejército Federal, which withdrew to San Salvador.
The Mando General, commanded by Díaz obviously, and the 2nd Column surrounded the capital and two days later they laid siege to the city from the north and west. The battle of San Salvador was a logistical headache for the Spanish military as the Central Americans not only fortified themselves in the city, albeit crudely, but they also hid in the surrounding forests and disease struck down thousands. The initial battle finally began and after just eight days over 30 000 from both sides laid dead. Díaz occupied the capital and the 2nd Column set off north to capture the last enemy haven of Guadalupe.
The Armada finally reached the pacific in October of 1867 and shortly after crossing the equator spotted a frigate with the white and blue flag of the Central American Union proudly waving. After eight days of cat and mouse the frigate finally fired and the Spanish ships engaged known as the Battle, or Skirmish rather, of Carnegie Ridge. The last organized resistance to Spanish conquest sank in the dark blue Pacific.
The 2nd Column overran Guadalupe and eventually the city fell. News of the siege made the natives even more furious rather than more discouraged from fighting. Revolt sparked in Costa Rica where the 1st Column was patrolling. The poorly armed farmers lived very shortly after that as cannon balls from the recently established Spanish Artillery Division rained hell on the rebels. The news of the outcome of the battle reached Díaz and on October 13, 1867, he declared the Military of the United States of Centrl America and all resistance as “annihilated”. From then on, in the eyes of the Spanish people, the satellite state was a viceroy of the Kingdom. The war of the beginning of wars ended, all one could do was celebrate.
Commander Díaz casually celebrates with other leaders of the war.
The Presidential Palace was ripped from the inside by the drunken horde. The new Central American President or Viceroy would want to live in a hovel rather than this hellish place. It was Díaz’s idea and every officer went along with it.
“Lets play knives!” he yelled to the others.
“Knives? What is this?” Calderón replied, admiral of the Spanish Armada.
“It is like darts, but knives are used instead. This sophisticated game is reserved for very special occasions, such as when there is a portrait of a hideous former President around.”
All the officers immediately glanced at the painting of Francisco Morzarán, the last president of the USCA, and took out their knives, daggers, and even swords by some blood-thirsty lunatics. They all began attempting to strike the nose of the poor man, all failing in the process. They spent hours until they ran out of any pointy metals. There was only one left, a sword, which a commander, General Acosta to be exact, threw and struck the face of the painting perfectly.
Portrait of Francisco Morazán
“Perfect shot!” Calderón exclaimed to Acosta.
“What?”
“What do you mean what? You got him.”
“Oh, damn, I cannot see anything, I better sit down and lay off the wine.”
Hours of partying tired the others too. Some returned to their camp but most slept in the Palace like Acosta. They all woke in terror seeing the “portrait” breathing and covered in blood. Yes, that was Morzarán, not his painting. His portrait in fact was saved by his Presidential Guards in the Siege of San Salvador and was in perfect condition, so there was some good news.
“Acosta, you imbecile.”
“You could of told me!”
“Wine is like opium, you know that!”
Military police arrived on the report of a maid of the palace and arrested the officers who were court martialled and received a couple of years in jail, not for the attack but for disciplinary reasons. Morzarán amazingly survived and goes around telling everyone of his tail as last president. The actual portrait of Morzarán hangs proudly in the “Museo de Arte Marte”, and thus concludes the telling of those terrifying moments the painting went through.
There was more of real-game information this time, so I decided to add a shorter meaningless story at the end
Central America... a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. Mexico is gonna be interesting, but Columbia in my experience, just sucks to invade. Good luck, i look forward to the restoration of Spanish Glory
Someone southerly I'd imagine. Of course, you better get ready to face the great monster to the north as well.
The Silver Age: A Spain AAR, Part 7
Marshal Francisco Serrano y Domínguez,
Hero of the Battle of Bogotá
VII. 1872
Colombia, a large mountainous nation covered with dense rain forests infected with tropical diseases, was the next stepping stone. Compared to more recent wars, a full invasion of Colombia would be a much greater test of power. After months of planning and research, experts concluded that it would take not only the entire Army and Royal Guard but a small expansion of the Ejército de Tierra and the ‘nativo’ divisions. To make matters worse, Cubans began to overtake the country side of Santiago and Camagüey as part of the Ten Year’s War that had begun between Spanish colonial authorities and rebels shortly after the Central American War won by Spain.
To keep the disturbance localized, native Cubans were recruited into the newly created Caribbean Corps of Nativos and the 8 000 troops began preparing Habana for the seige. The Cuban guerrillas were the Cortes’ lowest priority, a more important war was about to begin, one that could make or break the Spanish Empire in the Americas. Despite somewhat fair relations between the two countries, the Cortes overwhelmingly voted for the declaration of war on Colombia in October 1, 1870. The legendary General Serrano, with 60 years of age at this point, accepted the challenge and was given total control of all military forces of the Spanish Empire.
The invasion consisted of 3 waves, the first consisting of most of the army, the second carrying the Royal Guard and the last of the army, and the third carrying the valiant Cuban Native Division, which by the start of the war crushed all organized resistance in Cuba halting Cuban Independence for the moment. The Ejército de Tierra landed on the shores of Colombia at Quibdón and quickly occupied the province, cutting communication between Colombia and Panama. The army then splitted into three columns, one marched south to Buenaventura, the other east to Cartago, and the most important one of all waited until a gap was seen in the Colombian’s front line. The Colombian army retreated from Buenaventura east to the Capital and the column at Cartago successfully punched a hole through Colombian lines. The Colombians began reinforcing Bogotá and southern positions. Seeing a gap in the line, the column camped at Quibdón finally moved out to Medellín, just north of Cartago. As a last chance to save northern Colombia, Colombian troops north of there halted their rout to Bogotá and launched a counter offensive in Medellín.
Spanish forces barely had enough time to fortify their camp when the battle started. It was a hot, humid, dark night when Spanish sentries spotted the approaching Colombians. Spanish Artillery opened fire and the Battle of Medellín began. Although not a large battle it was a critical one and determined the fate of Colombia. The counter-offensives failed and Northern Colombia laid abandoned and General Serrano stepped on the beautiful beach of Cartagena just days after Medellín fell. He quickly overtook the northern provinces and met up with the other bulk of the invasion force in Tunja.
The southern column now occupied all south west of Bogota and made its way east to the Amazon rainforest. With Northern and Western Colombia under control, the third wave of troops landed in Panama as part of a “backdoor” invasion. Serrano now prepared for the last battle of the war and organized his forces around Bogotá from all directions.
Serrano sent about 1/3 of the force south and east to aid the southern column in the rest of the invasion. This was met with virtually no resistance and they were soon back to participate in the siege of the capital. The Battle of Bogotá lasted for months, beginning in February and ending in the beginning of summer. General Serrano led many charges, some disastrous but he heroically continued riding with the dragoons through rain of gunpowder and the gates of the city, which Spain built hundreds of years ago, fell. Spain was the obvious victor at this point, despite small groups of Colombian insurgents springing up behind the lines. Bogotá was taken and the Cubans took Panama, there was no choice for Colombia but to accept any demand Spain drew.
Colombia accepted the terms brought to them on June 6, 1872. The two year-long war took the lives of 140 000 men on both sides and took Panama from the Colombian satellite state. The fate of Panama was sealed along with Colombia, it was divided between Spain and her ally, the United States of Central America, for two-thousand pounds of course. Fathers, sons, brothers, and uncles returned home to Spain again just as they did in Central America and Sumatra, only to be called upon again soon, but not yet.
Serrano writes in his war diary, a short entry from June 3, 1872, the last day of the Battle of Bogotá.
The heavens are lit not by the thunder of God but by the arms of our Majesty. It hails misery upon the enemy just as much as it does upon us. The act that I am committing shall be the last enemy to be destroyed before the end of all I know, but not today. Today I shall continue the horrendous act of war, and so may God forgive me. I will ride with my brothers again into the field as dragoons do and approach the gates of Bogotá, the metal smelted gates built by our hands lifetimes ago, and clear the way. The city is full of innocence, so thus I will be cautious. A great cathedral reigns tall over this city and harming such symbols of divinity does no good, but it is in the name of my Queen that no figure shall stand in the way of the state that I am a servant to. I plead with the innocent to remain innocent and express that I would not enjoy committing what I would be obligated to do them, I can only hope that others are benevolent enough to do the same.
Now I am off for one last time, for I will either be victorious or never return.
Marshal Francisco Serrano y Domínguez,
Hero of the Battle of Bogotá
VII. 1872
Colombia, a large mountainous nation covered with dense rain forests infected with tropical diseases, was the next stepping stone. Compared to more recent wars, a full invasion of Colombia would be a much greater test of power. After months of planning and research, experts concluded that it would take not only the entire Army and Royal Guard but a small expansion of the Ejército de Tierra and the ‘nativo’ divisions. To make matters worse, Cubans began to overtake the country side of Santiago and Camagüey as part of the Ten Year’s War that had begun between Spanish colonial authorities and rebels shortly after the Central American War won by Spain.
To keep the disturbance localized, native Cubans were recruited into the newly created Caribbean Corps of Nativos and the 8 000 troops began preparing Habana for the seige. The Cuban guerrillas were the Cortes’ lowest priority, a more important war was about to begin, one that could make or break the Spanish Empire in the Americas. Despite somewhat fair relations between the two countries, the Cortes overwhelmingly voted for the declaration of war on Colombia in October 1, 1870. The legendary General Serrano, with 60 years of age at this point, accepted the challenge and was given total control of all military forces of the Spanish Empire.
The invasion consisted of 3 waves, the first consisting of most of the army, the second carrying the Royal Guard and the last of the army, and the third carrying the valiant Cuban Native Division, which by the start of the war crushed all organized resistance in Cuba halting Cuban Independence for the moment. The Ejército de Tierra landed on the shores of Colombia at Quibdón and quickly occupied the province, cutting communication between Colombia and Panama. The army then splitted into three columns, one marched south to Buenaventura, the other east to Cartago, and the most important one of all waited until a gap was seen in the Colombian’s front line. The Colombian army retreated from Buenaventura east to the Capital and the column at Cartago successfully punched a hole through Colombian lines. The Colombians began reinforcing Bogotá and southern positions. Seeing a gap in the line, the column camped at Quibdón finally moved out to Medellín, just north of Cartago. As a last chance to save northern Colombia, Colombian troops north of there halted their rout to Bogotá and launched a counter offensive in Medellín.
Spanish forces barely had enough time to fortify their camp when the battle started. It was a hot, humid, dark night when Spanish sentries spotted the approaching Colombians. Spanish Artillery opened fire and the Battle of Medellín began. Although not a large battle it was a critical one and determined the fate of Colombia. The counter-offensives failed and Northern Colombia laid abandoned and General Serrano stepped on the beautiful beach of Cartagena just days after Medellín fell. He quickly overtook the northern provinces and met up with the other bulk of the invasion force in Tunja.
The southern column now occupied all south west of Bogota and made its way east to the Amazon rainforest. With Northern and Western Colombia under control, the third wave of troops landed in Panama as part of a “backdoor” invasion. Serrano now prepared for the last battle of the war and organized his forces around Bogotá from all directions.
Serrano sent about 1/3 of the force south and east to aid the southern column in the rest of the invasion. This was met with virtually no resistance and they were soon back to participate in the siege of the capital. The Battle of Bogotá lasted for months, beginning in February and ending in the beginning of summer. General Serrano led many charges, some disastrous but he heroically continued riding with the dragoons through rain of gunpowder and the gates of the city, which Spain built hundreds of years ago, fell. Spain was the obvious victor at this point, despite small groups of Colombian insurgents springing up behind the lines. Bogotá was taken and the Cubans took Panama, there was no choice for Colombia but to accept any demand Spain drew.
Colombia accepted the terms brought to them on June 6, 1872. The two year-long war took the lives of 140 000 men on both sides and took Panama from the Colombian satellite state. The fate of Panama was sealed along with Colombia, it was divided between Spain and her ally, the United States of Central America, for two-thousand pounds of course. Fathers, sons, brothers, and uncles returned home to Spain again just as they did in Central America and Sumatra, only to be called upon again soon, but not yet.
Serrano writes in his war diary, a short entry from June 3, 1872, the last day of the Battle of Bogotá.
The heavens are lit not by the thunder of God but by the arms of our Majesty. It hails misery upon the enemy just as much as it does upon us. The act that I am committing shall be the last enemy to be destroyed before the end of all I know, but not today. Today I shall continue the horrendous act of war, and so may God forgive me. I will ride with my brothers again into the field as dragoons do and approach the gates of Bogotá, the metal smelted gates built by our hands lifetimes ago, and clear the way. The city is full of innocence, so thus I will be cautious. A great cathedral reigns tall over this city and harming such symbols of divinity does no good, but it is in the name of my Queen that no figure shall stand in the way of the state that I am a servant to. I plead with the innocent to remain innocent and express that I would not enjoy committing what I would be obligated to do them, I can only hope that others are benevolent enough to do the same.
Now I am off for one last time, for I will either be victorious or never return.
Francisco S. y D.
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I'm not quite clear what has happened to Columbia. Some territory gains for USCA and Spain, plus now a satellite of Spain?
stnylan said:
Me too. Would be great if we know the terms of the peace offer.
One more observation, Indonesia was only formed after World War II.
Hmmm... to bad you can't port this game over to 1.04 anyway it wouldn't be very compatible.
prussiablue said:
Colombia was turned into a sattelite state and Spain annexed Panama. The western most part of Panama does was then sold to the USCA. Can the Panama canal still be built even though I have it? This is the main reason for annexing panama.
Sumatra would be a better term...