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.