Best laid plans and all of that. That said, young Miguel looks like he has a certain potential
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Filipe I de Avis, Emperor of Portugal from 1658-1668
Filipe I de Avis, Emperor of Portugal from 1658-1668
The reign of Filipe was cut terribly short by a stray bullet. He managed to steer the biggest empire known to man for only a decade, and therefore he has a small list of achievements.
Still, he kept himself busy during the time. Like all Portuguese monarchs, mostly on battlefield. During his rule, the Portuguese fought again in China. Filipe did manage to get something first there- thus far, the Portuguese focus had been more in South China, but during his latest campaign, Filipe managed to take the Capital of Ming, Beijing, and loot the Forbidden City. Of course, he also managed to expand the Portuguese influence in both Canton and Hangzhou nodes, solidifying Portuguese monopoly on Chinese trade.
During his time, the Portuguese went to war against the French for the first time as well. Long-time allies, lately enemies, the French had been offering the Portuguese some competition in both New World, Africa and Asia. After this war, the French were kicked out of Africa, India and Madagascar, though they still retained holdings in Indochina. Also, Filipe cut French access to the Mediterranean and connected Portuguese Iberian and Italian holdings via land bridge.
Then, there were the Ottomans. The nation that had taken the Balkans, Austria and Hungary, plus several more countries in Europe, controlled the Black Sea, expanded into Egypt and the Near East. Terror to every nation neighbouring them. Much like Portugal. The Portuguese already struck them once, right to the heart of the Ottoman Empire. Constantinople was under Portuguese rule already and during the time of Filipe, became Christian once again as well. During the time of Filipe, the Portuguese attacked the Ottomans once again. It was a hard struggle, but the Portuguese prevailed, forcing the Ottomans to relinquish some land to Ferrara and Rzespospolita, and gaining control over Cairo, Alexandria and the pyramids for Portugal.
Finally, Filipe attacked Great Britain. The Portuguese, already owning several provinces in the southern part of the island, had an easy time overwhelming the British armies. Though the Brits and the Dutch fought well at sea, the Portuguese dominance at land was great enough that Portuguese had taken control of most of the island and were also advancing into Dutch heartlands. Then, tragedy stuck, as Filipe got mortally wounded in the Battle of Ayrshire and died a few days later, leaving his 8-year old son as the new Emperor.
Not all his achievements were of military. Portugal kept on colonizing actively, concentrating mostly in North America this time. During the rule of Filipe, two final territories were turned into colonial nations- Alaska and Canada. This meant that the entire continent, from the frozen north to the almost as frozen south, Portugal had presence. In most cases, Portugal also had sole presence.
Shades of green are pleasing to the eye. Especially in America, though Portugal has presence in almost every place in the world
The biggest change Filipe made was economical. Since Alfonso V, the Portuguese monarchs had been trying to steer trade to Lisboa and to control as much of Lisboa as possible. With one order, Filipe changed all that. After the war with France, he signed a decree, making Barcelona the main trade port of the nation and making Lisboa final step before the new end node of Portuguese trade- Genoa. Lisboa was a lucrative final step- adding over 100 ducats to the value of the trade.
Filipe inherited a strong, powerful nation. He left it behind stronger and richer. Though, mostly through history, he was not known for his own achievements. He was known as father of Emperor Miguel de Avis.
Income from 1444 had been increased by almost exactly 1000 times in 1668
This is it. Farewell to Filipe. He was a good Emperor, though his rule was cut short. Moving trade to Genoa really added to the income though. And Portugal is beyond filthy rich.
Heh, that's what I thought. But hey, you cannot be Emperor of Portugal unless you're at least a bit insane
Yes, the boy had some redeeming qualities and for some reason, i'm not mourning the father. Just, let us hope he does not take interest in hunting. :;P
An eight year old boy and his dying father, cackling manically. Yep, totally not disturbing.
Heh, that's what I thought. But hey, you cannot be Emperor of Portugal unless you're at least a bit insane
Best laid plans and all of that. That said, young Miguel looks like he has a certain potential
Yes, the boy had some redeeming qualities and for some reason, i'm not mourning the father. Just, let us hope he does not take interest in hunting. :;P
Heart of India
Heart of India
End Of the British War
After the funeral, everyone went back to their business. Young Emperor Miguel went back to playing with his toy soldiers, while the real soldiers went on playing war with the British and Dutch soldiers. Not like there was much left to play, for there was a real shortage of both enemy soldiers as the Portuguese were busy cutting into their lands.
Hague fell in December 1668 and with that, the Dutch fighting spirit was at an all-time low. Enemy troops ravaging your capital tend to do that. Birgitta, the Empress-Consort, was lenient. For the wrong choice of allies, the Netherlands was forced to give up their holdings in North America, but not in Canada.
The Dutch America, now also known as Portuguese America
The Brits had it worse. Peace was signed in February 1669. The Brits were kicked off of West Coast of America, ceding all the colonies there to either Alaska of California. The few colonies they had in Brazil and Rio de la Prata were given away as well. Only their extensive holdings in Peru were left to them, the rest of the British New World was British no more.
Peru, the sole British land in America
Even worse for Brits, South England was now Portuguese. Including the ancient city of London, jewel of the isles. And also, all the coastal provinces the Brits still had in the continent.
Out of France, out of South England
More importantly, this war was showing that the Portuguese had been lack of investment in naval force. The Portuguese had received more then one beating in the sea and it seemed like their control of the oceans was failing. So, Birgitta did something- she initiated the biggest construction of ships Portugal had seen to date. Mighty ships were rolling off of almost every coastal province in Iberia, ensuring that Portugal will continue to be the undisputed master of the seas.
Heart of India
Delhi was the biggest nation in the subcontinent. Though also present in Bengal, the nation’s main power is in the heart of India. The city of Delhi, located in the middle of subcontinent. It was their presence in Bengal that made Portuguese to take interest though. In April 1669, the Portuguese attacked the Delhi.
Hello, Delhi.
There isn’t much to write about. The Portuguese, numbered 160 000, rushed to inland from the coast. The enemy put up some resistance, yes. Tried to, at least. For stopping the Portuguese these days is like trying to stop a tsunami, coming from the sea and reaching deep inland.
They were occasionally successful. Like when the Portuguese army, operating alone in West India, was attacked by the much superior Delhi force in Thatta in January 1670. Despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, the Portuguese managed to kill more then they suffered losses. Then, they pulled back.
Battle of Thatta
Of course, the Portuguese returned with a force. Just half a year later, the enemy was defeated at Thatta. This time, it was twice the Portuguese hunting the Delhi army that had remained there. And wiped it off the face of the Earth, of course.
Revenge
Followed by Portuguese making peace with Sindh, one of Delhi’s allies. Claiming but one province in the progress, but what a province. Mansura, former capital of the Sindh and an important trade city in Gujarat node.
Gaining yet another node in Gujarat
Meanwhile, in the East, the Portuguese had been slowly, but steadily, pushing themselves up towards Delhi. The road inland was stopped by several fortresses and Portugese were busy marching from one siege to another, with occasional battle inbetween. Finally, in May 1671, the Delhi fell.
Malwa, the second ally, was next. After the fall of their capital in September 1671, they gave up Sambalpur, another trade city in Bengal node
More in Bengal too
Finally, in April 1672, the Delhi took a dive, giving up all the coastal provinces in Bengal area and ceding some land inland to Portugal as well. They still got some centres of trade, but the bulk of Bengal is so under Portuguese control.
Kicking Delhi away from the sea
With this, the Portugal solidified their control over trade of the subcontinent. More control over Bengal and Gujarat. Some control over Deccan and Doab, but no major provinces in that area yet.
Trade in India. Mostly Portuguese.
The Papacy
In May 1670, the Pope finally saw the light. Understanding that it is pointless to fight against the Portuguese influence, he finally submitted to the Portuguese authority and allowed Portugal to control the papacy.
Finally!
No wonder too- Rome is surrounded by the Portuguese lands. Portugal is the sole greatest Catholic nation in the world. And to be completely honest, the number of Catholic nations is all-time low. There is France, Rzespospolita, Teutonic Order and Sweden and some minor nations. It would be wise for the Pope to rely on Portugal. Just, the popes of late are not known for their wiseness. More like spending their share of income from Genoa on all the things not befitting for a Pope to spend money on. But the Portuguese still hope for a good, lasting relations.
The list is kind of short though...
Other Matters
In April 1672, Portugal advanced their technologies one more time. Administrative tech resulted in new Town Hall building, while military netted Portugal a new type of cannon. Most importantly though, the trade tech now involved a new, better heavy ship. Two decks filled with cannons, ready to pound the enemy to dust. And new stock markets, ensuring that Portuguese dominance over trade continues. Birgitta started new building project right away, across all Portugal. It did make a minor dent to Portuguese treasury.
New ships, new cannons, new buildings. All things new
Birgitta also started adopting more offensive ideas for Portugal. Well, it was obvious- Portugese idea of defence is build heavy fortresses that hold the enemy back until the army marches in and kicks the enemy. Though it rarely happens. Usually, wars start with Portuguese swarming the enemy lands, not giving them a chance to fight.
More offensive!
The war with Dutch and Brits gave Portugal also some extra colonies. So, this time, the number of cities from the new world is a bit higher than usual.
Androscoggin, New Portugal, Dutch, Naval Supplies, August 1669
Managua, Columbia, Berber, Tropical Wood, December 1669
Bengukulu, Malacca, Portuguese Tropical Wood, April 1670
Umatilla, Alaska, English, Fur, February 1671
Kennebeck, New Portugal, Dutch, naval supplies, May 1671
Chionujmni, California, Welsh, fur, June 1671.
Helitsuk, Alaska, Scottish, fur. March 1672.
First, this this is coming more whack-a-mole and less of a challenge, i shall be more brief with wars. With the exception of Ming and Ottomans.
Second, yay, papacy! Finally! The bastards have eluded me so long.... But now, it is time! Or let us just hope the Pope lives long, for they papacy seems to really not like the Portuguese...
Yes, that is one pretty amazing increase of income. To think there were times i had to put forts no low maintenance and cut the army coin into half during peacetime...
Second, yay, papacy! Finally! The bastards have eluded me so long.... But now, it is time! Or let us just hope the Pope lives long, for they papacy seems to really not like the Portuguese...
Yes, that is one pretty amazing increase of income. To think there were times i had to put forts no low maintenance and cut the army coin into half during peacetime...
No doubt - no one else really has the resources to seriously challenge you.
Where to next? China, perhaps? Or more eating of India? I mean, what is really left by now?