Chapter 3 - The Aquisition of Wealth
Synopsis of Previous Events: It is the onset of the 15th century and Genoa - a small nation of Italian traders and merchants with a long and influential reach - is making its first steps towards an identity as a European nation of note. Despite a brief stumble due to a terrible ruler, it expands its territory by conquering nearby Italian nations of Emilia and Toscana, and then joins the Italic Alliance to escape retribution. When the alliance is renegotiated, Genoa emerges as its leader, which puts it in a direct conflict with the Pope. With its Italian allies, it strikes a pre-emptive blow against Rome, and when the situation escalates into a full fledged war, it is the Pearl of Liguria itself that takes lands away from His Holliness Eugenius IV and vassalizes the Christian capital of the world.
Now the main land-holder of northern Italy, Genoa is still engaged in local Italian politics, all the while perfecting the trade reach of its merchant princes. The future looks bright, and the trade winds are blowing Liguria's way.
1450 - Stability returns promptly to the Italian peninsula, and with the Pope humbled, the nations now look to Genoa for leadership. The merchants of Liguria usher another era of expanded trade, making their nation undesirable for conquest by a web of complex and carefully maintained royal marriages. Wars consume western Europe, with France in constant conflict with the smaller Francophone nations that get annexed one by one.
Austria renegotiates its alliance with small but powerful neighboring Germanic nations, and forms an upgraded version of its previous alliance - the Habsburg Front. Immediately upon its conception, the Front celebrates its existence by ambushing Hungary and its allies. But a more important war breaks out in the Iberian Peninsula. There, breaking its ancient alliance are Portugal and Castile, and the latter assaults the Portugese, dragging its ally - Aragon - into the conflict. This development is met with a celebration in Liguria. After all, it is the Iberians that are colonizing the New World, scrupulously keeping Genoa from her overseas destiny. The war in Iberia will only mean a hurdle to colonization... at least for a while. In September, Pietro de Campofregoso takes over as Dodge.
1451-1452 - Peace is signed in Europe almost too fast for Genoa's taste. The Hungarians yield only Presburg and 9 ducats, and Portugal manages to outwit its adversaries by signing separate peace with Aragon and then Castile that leave the aggressors with a lousy prize of 17 coins. What's worse, the Iberian War didn't seem to slow down any colonizing, for the trade caravans from Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona are leaving in endless processions that seem to have no beginning and no end.
Up north, Denmark trashes Sweden back into submission, making it return all the provinces pillaged in the last war. On its southern border, Denmark has already annexed three Germanic provinces, including the Centre of Trade in Mecklemburg... a move that will now cast it into perpetual wars with the nations of central Europe.
1453-1454 - For the first time in several centuries, a foreign power firmly sets its hands in Italy. Aragon annexes its vassal Napoli. The feelings among the local nations are mixed, but Genoa maintains good relations with both Aragon and Castile. The fact that this annexation gives Aragon an even stronger hold on the central Mediterranean is not overlooked, and the Ligurian hearts mutter longingly about the wasted chances of attacking Aragon during the last decades. But they weren't ready then. And they are not ready now.
[SIZE=-1]Castello di Monti - one of the castles in Liguria
belonging to the de Campofregoso noble family[/SIZE]
1455 - Siena is forgiven for abandoning its allies during the last war in Italy, and it is once again allowed to join the Italic Alliance. It begins a military buildup for no apparent reason, while the rest of the alliance demilitarizes in favor of improved economy.
1456-1460 - Castile, Aragon and Portugal once again make amends, and much to the annoyance of its neighbors, form another pact. This time, it is the Iberian Alliance, and with this pact the mysteries of the far away lands are once again held in the palms of the privileged few and locked away from the prying eyes of European nations. In retaliation, France sweeps its vast armies across the southern border, advancing onto the capital of Aragon itself. The Iberian Alliance has little time to prepare, and its scattered troops mobilize hastily to meet the enemy in the Pyrenee mountains. At home, Dodge Lodovico De Campofregoso takes over the state of Liguria, on May 12, 1458.
Superior in numbers, if not in technology, the French troops expect a decisive victory, but fall prey to better tactics of the Iberian allies. Each battle seems to go against France, even when it comes against small Spanish battalions. Each move seems poorly planned, dividing its cohorts at the precise time when there is a need for unification. After two years, the stalemate at the border only favors the Iberians, who use this time to supplement their armies with more men. And while Castile and its friends are relatively secure on their piece of land, it is only a matter of time till France succumbs to separationist movements of its newly annexed provinces. Precisely two years after crossing the Aragonese border, France sues for peace, and gets it on the obligation to pay small reparations and loss of honor. No one trusts France anymore. France seems to care even less.
1461-1462 - On the eastern horizon, the Turkish Menace is marching in. Venice and its Balkan allies seem next on the menu, but with each war initiated by this Islamic Plague a strange worry that there is no stopping of the Sunnis sets upon Genoa. The joy of Venice possibly loosing lands to the Ottomans is mixed with the encroaching danger to Liguria itself. But surely... plenty of time remains, doesn't it?
Meanwhile, the vassalized Rome becomes more and more bitter of its Ligurian masters. It is only a matter of time till its pursues its own course, unless a diplomatic solution is found to befriend the proud state. Using the most eloquent and persuasive means found in the diplomatic repertoire - money - Dodge Lodovico de Campofregoso makes a stroke of a genius move, and on a chilly spring morning in 1462, a state delegation arrives to the gates of Vatican with a gift of historic proportions. When the coffers open and the gold reflects the light of four hundred candles in the regal antechamber, the Pope's heart melts, and more friendly thoughts enter his mind. The relations between Genoa and the Papal States are finally amended, and the two nations warm up. Precisely a month later, the vassalized Rome joins the Italic Alliance, and its future at Genoa's side is preserved.
1463 - The unthinkable happens! Genoa gains control of the Venice market! By the end of that year, the entire western, central and southern Mediterranean is in Ligurian control, and four centres of trade (Liguria, Veneto, Tago and Alexandria) show Genoese dominance. As if an omen to cement prosperity, Dodge Prospero Adorno is elected by the General Assembly - a member of the rival family to de Campofregoso, and one equally as rich.
1464-1471 - One by one, Venice's allies fall before the Turks. The Knights, Serbia and Bosnia are annexed, while Cyprus is barely holding on. Up north, Pskov is finally conquered, ending its Cinderella story. It is annexed by Novgorod that will soon see its own decline at the hands of the rising Muscowy.
In 1470, a in a move that stuns the entire trading world, Genoa invites Venice into the Mediterranean Trade Alliance. Venice accepts. The entire world wonders in astonishment, and rumors that Genoa is bowing to the pressure from Venice start circulating. Only the Ligurian merchants know better. Venice was about to embargo Genoa due to its rise in Veneto, and this pact keeps alive the Ligurian interests in the heartland of the bitter enemy. In a few years, the move proves to be much more profitable for Genoa than Venice, as anticipated.
1472 - Another exceptional year! In a grand unveiling that sees attendance of diplomats from every influential country, a refinery is opened on the vineyards of Emilia. Mass produced wine seems to lose none of its quality, and the profits from the province soar. This is a massive step for Genoa in its quest for trading supremacy. No one in the world has anything similar. There is a celebration in Liguria.
1473-1478 - Genoa controls trade in the entire Mediterranean! All five centres of trade (the wine and iron of Liguria, the grain and fish of Veneto, the exotic New World goods of Tago, the chinaware and ivory of Alexandria, and the spices and wool of Thrace) are now crowned with Genoese merchants! The Mediterranean Trade Alliance is declared an astounding success, as it was the catalyst for the rise of Ligurian commerce interests. No one dares to leave the trade alliance now. Either stay with Genoa, or perish.
Castile renames itself to the Kingdom of Spain, and soon takes Aragon as its vassal. Shortly after, Isabely Fernando assumes the throne of the new kingdom, marking herself as the most talented and influential monarch of all times. Venice, left alone against the Turks, digs deeply into its bottomless coffers and miraculously buys itself peace, without loosing ground. Genoa reacts with mixed feelings.
1479-1484 - A period that continued the stability at home. Genoa's allies are once in a while treated to small gifts, while the foreign nations have all nearly warmed up to this nation. The international relations with the civilized world are on a good path, if not yet fully amended from the "sins" of the past. Money is spent on international relations. Good Government Policies and Internal Trace Ordinance in Corsica boost local economy, while in 1478 Battista de Campofregoso takes over as Dodge, ending the reign of the well remembered Prospero Adorno. In 1483, he is succeeded by Giano de Campofregoso. And yet the hearts of Liguria are still veiled in sorrow. Despite taking monetary steps to improve relations with Portugal to the best possible, repeated diplomatic inquiries are rejected. The very dear friend of Genoa - Portugal - will not share its explorations. It finally becomes evident to the ambitious Italians that if they are to partake in the lands far beyond, they will need to discover them themselves. Yet with no explorers and no maps, the choices are painfully few...
[SIZE=-1]Giano de Campofregoso[/SIZE]
1485 - In the spring of this year, Tunesia and Algeria declare war on Fez. Sailing past the sea battlefields is the Genoese fleet with its clear direction - west. In May, the fleet reaches the shores of Fez's province of Tangiers, and from below its decks, Italian soldiers pour out onto the African soil. Genoa declares war upon Fez! If the Iberian clique won't share access to the New World, Genoa will make its own destiny, by force! Tangiers will be conquered and used as a platform for expeditions into the unknown.
1486 - The provinces of Tangiers and Fez fall to the combined attacks of Genoa and Algieria, although the two nations are not working in league. On January 14th, the capital of Fez falls, and to save itself from being overrun, Fez signs a deal with Genoa, giving up its rights to Tangiers. The first Italian province in Africa is set. The maps found in the library of Fez reveal little, but they do speak of one mysterious land - Tassaret. It lies on the west African coast, not too far from Fez, and just by the Spanish Canary Islands. It is empty and waiting for Genoa. It's not much, but it's a start. And to someone cut off from the great expansion for almost a hundred years, it is a gift from God. The first settlers are sent.
1487-1488 - The first settler expeditions to Tassaret begin, and soon a trading post is established, adding Genoa to the colonial world, even if barely so. So little, and yet so much. Spain barely notices this new dot on the map, but to Genoa, it means the world. What's more, a newly discovered African nation of Songhai decides to trade with Liguria! There are chinaware and spices in Songhai, and now the Ligurian merchants for the first time will get their hands on those goods. War is good for business.
At home, Gian Galeazzo is now the Dodge of Genoa (Jan 17, 1488). France absorbs Brittany, and Islam marches in. Hungary and Lithuania are attacked by Ottoman Empire. Can the Turks be stopped? Europe shakes in terror.
1489 - Liguria Centre of Trade surpasses Veneto in overall value! Genoa throws a state gala, and extra day's pay is distributed to all the sailors. The sun shines bright on the shores of Liguria.
1490 - A year to remember. The Kingdom of Spain annexes Aragon, and now the multifaceted flag of the one-time Castilians flies on the southern border of the Italic Alliance. Yet at home, different news prevail. Lombardia is annexed by Genoa! Everyone in Europe suddenly turns their eyes towards the Alps...
Just a few years after taking Tangiers from the Sunnis of Fez, Lombardia - the very nation that once dictated the destiny of Genoa - is now part of Liguria itself. Along with the extremely rich province of Lombardy there comes Piemonte - one of Milan's possessions. It is an event that changes everything, for suddenly Genoa appears on everyone's map. Suddenly, it is no longer a small Italian state that monopolized trade. It has entered the big leagues now, and the big league rules apply. And here is where the problem lies.
Genoa now borders directly with Austria and France. There are no more buffer zones, and while the Italic Alliance is very much alive, it now looks to Genoa for strength. Both France and Austria had vested interest in the rich province of Lombardy, and they will not soon forget this. Both Austria and France have armies that could be in Liguria within weeks. And while Austria seems to get over the potential loss quickly, France takes offense. Irreparable hatred begins. It will only be a matter of time now, no doubt, before Genoa and France clash. For now, however, both Austria and France have other wars to worry about. Thank God.
[SIZE=-1]Genoa at the end of 1499, with Rome as a vassal
Not shown is the trade post of Tassaret[/SIZE]
1491-1496 - Abroad, the Golden Horde - after decades of rebellions and unrest - is crumbling. Small states declare independence. It is a fortunate wind for Genoa, and the Ligurian merchants take advantage of it... cementing a number of marriages and military pacts, and securing the safety of Kaffa and Kerch for as long as they can. Now, with the small weak states around the Black Sea, there is hope for Genoa's possessions there. And Georgia is still a friend. At home, an Exceptional Year brings a sudden gift of 100 ducats and -5% inflation... the latter hardly needed at all, but welcome as a sign of prosperity.
In a miracle from Heavens itself, the Ottoman Empire finally runs into a wall, and looses its first war. Disbelief takes everyone's breath away. Hungary and Lithuania do not take much in victory, but they hold firm and save the very Europe itself. Prayers of thanks erupt everywhere, and pilgrimages to Rome pass through Liguria. God did not abandon its children.
1497 - And God does not stop there. In 1497 the Ottoman Empire finally shakes at its seams, and rebellions spring in most provinces. Soon, the entire country is at civil war, and one by one, its provinces declare independence. Ragusa, Bosnia, Albania, Siebenburgen... the list only starts there. Antalya and Taurus defect to Dulkadir. But here, good news stop. The rich, populous, vineyard-woven province of Smyrna defects to Venice! Why Venice, of all devil's creations!?
1498-1499 - The sudden prosperity of Venice does not end there. It has recently received Cyprus as its possession, and while still not able to boast of a trade reach of Genoa, it is now in direct competition with Liguria in several centres of trade. What's more, it manages to get itself into a war with the Habsburg Front, and just as the Austrians and their friends casually stroll to the shores of Veneto to teach it yet another lesson, they are met with shock. A massive, well-trained army of Venice meets them and smashes their forces into smithereens. From then on, Venice marches through Austria, pillaging nearly every province, and exacting revenge for the years of oppression. Little pockets of Habsburg resistance are swept away, and only by some miracle the Istria Regiment of the Austrian Army manages to besiege Venice, and White Peace is signed. Austria is left with a lesson to remember, and Venice is definitely back.
On January 1st 1499, the first Francophone Dodge sits at the head of Liguria - Philippe de Ravenstein - reminding of the French interests that are creeping in through Milan. Genoa now has control of 6 centres of trade (Liguria, Veneto, Tago, Alexandria, Thrace, Novgorod), and its treasury expands with each year. Its trade income nearly equals that of its taxation revenue, and the inflation is at a flat zero. The Italic Alliance has the highest military technology in the known world, and its infrastructure and trade are studied by other nations. It is places like Genoa, Verona, Milan, Venice, Rome and Florence that are at the forefront of art, philosophy, learning, medicine and trade. The Italian peninsula is the envy of the world.
And yet, within the splendid villas of Genoa dark thoughts and broken hearts dwell. Italic Alliance is not a military power, and eventually France and Austria and perhaps even Spain will ponder claims to this paradise. And it is Spain and Portugal that are colonizing the New World, and with time, they are destined to take over as the leaders of the civilized world. After almost a century, Genoa is still kept away from the uncharted lands, and nothing has changed. What's worse, it was just discovered that the trading post in Tassaret - while a pride and joy - is unsuitable for proper colonization. The climate won't allow it. The heartbreak continues. The Canary Islands, however, just off the shore of Tassaret, already have a nice city, and would make a splendid platform to support Tangiers in Genoa's future expeditions abroad. But they are already claimed by the Spanish. Surely, there is no way to change that. Or is there...?
With a long and thoughtful look, Genoa slowly sets its sights on Spain...
[SIZE=-1]Genoa in control of the Mediterranean!
The reach of Genoa's trade empire where market dominance is obtained.
Note the provinces of Romagna and Marche wrested from the control of
Venice. Not shown are the African provinces belonging to the Tago and
Liguria centres of trade.[/SIZE]
Besides, they still get to live... just have to shell out a few bucks my way. But I think to the people of the era, where religion is still such an important thing, taking on the Pope would have quite an affect. I tried to imagine this, and that's why I created a Marca.
