Christina Regina: A Timeline

1654: News Update in Europe

Queen Christina of Sweden Publicly Announces Conversion to Catholicism; Says She has no Plans to Abdicate

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Queen Christina, in a move that shocked Sweden and all of Europe, publicly announced that she would be converting to Roman Catholicism. She added that she has no plans to abdicate the throne. It is unclear how Sweden, a completely Lutheran and Protestant nation, will react to her conversion. So far, there appears to be dismay and confusion, and priests serving the State Church of Sweden are worried that preaching will constitute a violation of the law. Will all churches in Sweden stop functioning until Christina forcibly converts them? Charles Gustav, who Christina named as her heir in 1649, has publicly denounced Christina's decision and is calling on her to abdicate in despite of her refusal to do so.

England makes peace with Netherlands, but immediately follows with declaration of War on Spain

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Oliver Cromwell would continue to shape the erratic foreign policy of his new English Commonwealth, starting with a peace treaty with the Dutch immediately followed by a declaration of war on Spain. Cromwell cited a need for England to focus on battling the "vile papists" rather than on fighting other Protestants for commercial reasons. In the first act of the war, the English launched a naval invasion of several of Spain's colonies, capturing Jamaica and landing troops onto Hispaniola. Cromwell has stated that he may be willing to work with the French in the war, as they are already at war with Spain.

King Louis XIV of France Reaches Age of Majority; Crowned in Reims Cathedral

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King Louis XIV of France, who has been known as the "Sun King" since last year due to his performance as Apollo in a French ballet, would be crowned in Reims Cathedral in 1654. Now that he has reached the age of majority, he may finally be able to pursue some of his own policies rather than be guided by his ministers, but Cardinal Mazarin is still in place, at least for now. Observers in Protestant countries worry that because of the Fronde, Louis may seek to exert absolute Catholic control in France. But for now, the main threat to Protestant Europe is clearly still the Habsburgs.
 
1655: News Update in Europe

Queen Christina Announces Plan for Church of Sweden; Attends Mass with Polish King in a Possible Rapprochement

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In a decision that has drawn comparisons to Bloody Mary's actions from a century before, Queen Christina announced that the Church of Sweden would be placed under Papal authority. All current pastors who were members of the Church would be forced to convert to Catholicism or leave the church. However, unlike Bloody Mary, Christina recognized that because her entire country was Lutheran, persecution and burnings would not be feasible. Therefore, following up on her announcement on the conversion of the Swedish Church, Christina issued an Edict of Toleration for Lutherans in the country, affecting practically all of the population. It is highly unlikely that this will appease most Lutherans, though, who see a Catholic on the Swedish throne as an affront to God. Following her two announcements on religion, Christina made a surprise trip to Warsaw, where she was greeted by the King of Poland, John II Casimir, and attended mass with him in the Polish capital. Could this be a sign of a rapprochement between the two countries that have been hostile toward each other for almost a century?

Denmark-Norway and Russia sign Treaty of Alliance in response to perceived Swedish-Polish Rapprochement

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Denmark-Norway and Russia were two countries that felt worried and threatened by the possible Swedish-Polish rapprochement. Historically enemies of those two nations, the Danes and Russians did not want to have a hostile, two-nation alliance wedged between them. Thus, in the Treaty of Moscow, Denmark and Russia agreed to a military alliance in which they would assist each other in any war, whether an offensive war or defensive one.

England and France Launch Joint Invasion of the Spanish Netherlands

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Following up on their invasion of lands in the Spanish New World, the English, led by Sir William Lockhart, launched a joint invasion of the Spanish Netherlands with the French, who were led by Marshal Turenne. The two combined armies reached the city of Namur and launched a siege. By the end of 1655 they had successfuly overrun the city and forced the garrison to surrender, marching triumphantly into the citadel and city square.
 
1656: News Update in Europe

Queen Christina Signs Treaty of Alliance with Poland; but While Away Uprising Occurs in Stockholm

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Just as many had expected, Queen Christina formalized an alliance with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Treaty of Warsaw established that Sweden and Poland would cooperate in any war waged by one or the other, whether an offensive or defensive war. But Christina being away in Warsaw presented a perfect opportunity for the restless and angry Lutherans of Sweden. Led by Charles Gustav, the people of Stockholm armed themselves into an amateur army. Vastly outnumbering the Palace guards, they stormed into Tre Kornor and entered the throne room. Once there, Charles Gustav was crowned Charles X Gustav in a Lutheran coronation ceremony. Queen Christina remains in Warsaw, and it is unknown whether she will attempt to return to Sweden to win back her crown or stay in exile in Poland.

Denmark-Norway Launches Invasion of Sweden, Russia Invades Poland-Lithuania

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The Danes saw the Swedish uprising as a justification to go to war with Sweden. With most of the country outside of Stockholm still under royal Catholic control, Denmark-Norway announced a declaration of war against Sweden, citing the need to protect the rebellious Lutherans of Sweden from Catholic oppression. The Danes launched simultaneous attacks against the islands of Öland and Gotland, successfuly capturing both by the end of the year. Knowing that the Poles were obligated to defend the Swedes due to the Treaty of Warsaw, Russia also launched an invasion of Poland-Lithuania. They swiftly captured much of Eastern Poland in the face of little Polish resistance, reaching as far west as Kiev.

King Louis XIV Excommunicated by Pope Alexander VII

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While the English and French war against Spain essentially remained a stalemate, another monumental event happened that kept the war in the news. Pope Alexander VII, whose Papacy began last year, is known to be under considerable sway from from the Habsburgs. He is also known to personally dislike France and its people. Nevertheless, it still came as a shock to Europe when he announced in a Papal Bull that King Louis XIV was to be excommunicated. Among other things, the Bull stated that "By allying himself with the English, who are regicidal, heretical usurpers, King Louis XIV has shown himself to be no better than they are. By continuing his bloody war of expansionism against Spain, he continues to tear apart the fabric of Christendom." When Louis XIV, a pious and deeply religious man, heard the news, he was outraged. He blamed Cardinal Mazarin, who led French foreign policy and spearheaded the English alliance, for his excommunication. Mazarin was dismissed with Louis XIV making the following statement: "L'Etat, c'est moi."
 
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1657: News Update in Europe

Muscovite Terror! Russians Pillage and Burn Poland; Reach Warsaw by the End of the Year and Sack the City

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1657 would not be a good year for Poland-Lithuania, as the country fell into chaos and anarchy due to the Russian advance. The Russians advanced swiftly, burning and pillaging as they went, and by the end of the year they had reached Warsaw. Once there, they sacked the city, taking everything they could get their hands on, including some very precious artwork. Scores of Poles were killed both in the Polish countryside during the Russian march, and during the Russian sack of Warsaw. King John II Casimir was captured, and he remains in Russian custody. The Russian invasion is surely one of the most traumatic episodes in Polish history, and some Poles have begun calling the invasion "The Deluge".

Queen Christina Returns to Sweden, But Denmark Continues Northward Push and Links up With Rebels in Stockholm

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When it became clear that the Russians were going to reach Warsaw, Queen Christina knew that she had to leave Poland. She tried to convince King John II Casimir to come with her but he declined, saying he had a duty to stay in his country and protect it. Christina traveled in disguise to Gdansk, and then once there boarded a ship to Helsinki. When she arrived, she proclaimed Helsinki the provisional capital of Sweden and set about arranging her royal court there. Meanwhile, to the west, the Danes continued their advance northward. By the end of the year, they had linked up with the Swedish rebels in Stockholm and had captured all Swedish territory south of Stockholm.

King Louis XIV Nominates French Bishop Bossuet as Antipope

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Louis XIV, unwilling to accept his excommunication, decided to take matters into his own hands. In an unprecedented move, the King nominated a young Bishop by the name of Bossuet as Antipope. Bossuet was named Bishop of Meaux earlier in the year after he preached before Anne of Austria, for which he earned both his bishopric and the title of "Counselor and Preacher to the King." Now, Bossuet will be faced with the challenge of setting up a Papal court in Avignon. All of Europe was shocked, as the practice of nominating Antipopes had died out centuries ago in the Middle Ages. Whether this stunning development will cause an actual schism in the Church or fall flat on its face depends on whether Bossuet can gain recognition as Pope from Catholic countries other than France. Clearly the Habsburgs will reject him, while Portugal, an ally of England and enemy of the Habsburgs, will most likely recognize him. Whether Sweden and Poland recognize Bossuet will be critical to determining the foreign policy direction that the Swedish-Polish alliance takes.
 
So Louis XIV has decided to nominate an antipope. Uhhh.... WOW. Considering that it’s only a few years after the Fronde was defeated, and 50ish since the end of the French Wars of Religion, this probably won’t end well.

Random question though: Assuming Christina doesn’t marry (likely) and defeats the rebels (less likely) who inherits the throne after her death? Clearly not OTL’s Charles Gustav (who became king after her abdication) or any of his descendants because he’s leading the rebellion. Maybe one of his brothers or sisters? Or have his siblings joined the rebellion as well?
 
I assumed this would be a Catholic wank, but I'm now thinking the opposite. While it's possible the situation will be reversed, I really doubt it. Christina has no real military accomplishments, while IOTL Charles X very much does. Sweden is also almost certain to rally behind a Protestant king. It would have to be conquered, and then undergo the major challenge of reconverting it. Almost impossible. With Charles having seemingly come to an accord with the Danish, you'll likely soon see both forces turning south to Poland to really recreate the OTL Deluge. Well, and east to remove Christina from Helsinki.

Although I can see that partnership soon becoming strained. Denmark is not going to waste this moment of leverage. Jamtland, Halland, and Harjedalen (all lost in 1645, just a few years earlier) are all certainly war goals of Denmark and almost certainly would welcome the Danes or Norwegians. However Gotland and Saaremaa I could see them willingly giving up to Sweden. Denmark-Norway could potentially support a Swedish conquest of the Duchy of Courland as compensation to Charles X. It turns Sweden more firmly aligned to the east, and Denmark's gains would be something of a national comeback considering their loss a few years earlier in the Torstenson War.

If the partnership can't be maintained, you'll likely see Charles turn on Denmark if they demand too much. However without the lucky weather that allowed the March across the Belt he might not be able to replicate his OTL success against Denmark. You could also potentially see Russia getting involved, as even if the alliance wad formed against Christina it was still an alliance against Sweden and Poland.

Wait, just to tell you. Helsinki is basically unimportant at this time. Turku is far more populous here, and is basically the capital of East Sweden at this time. It wasn't till Finland was conquered by Russia that this changed.

A bit more uncertain regarding Poland-Lithuania. The Deluge was bad, but they eventually rallied. Sweden still has too large an army for it to support following the Thirty Years War, necessitating them to attack someone to support the primarily mercenary force, but it might not be so bad if Poland doesn't suffer some of its OTL disastrous losses. Overall, not too sure for me.
 

Vuu

Banned
This will be a screw for both prots and catholics. Maybe a bare orthowank but more of a russiawank if they win
 
1658: News Update in Europe

Poland and Sweden Announce they will Recognize Roman Pope in exchange for Military Aid

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After a flurry of secret letters between Queen Christina and the captive King John II Casimir, with the King disguising his letters as mere notes and sneaking out to the mail rider at night in order to avoid Russian surveillance, the two monarchs sent a final letter addressed to the newly enthroned Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold I, announcing that they would recognize the Pope of Rome, Alexander VII, in exchange for Habsburg military aid in the war against Russia and Denmark. While it may seem that the Poles and Swedes have no leverage due to their currently poor military positions, it is in fact crucial that the Habsburgs get their recognition. With Portugal recently announcing that it will recognize Pope Bossuet, if Poland and Sweden were to also recognize him then the Roman Pope would be recognized by no one other than the Austrian and Spanish Habsburgs. Not wanting to empower the French Antipope and make their Pope seem a puppet, the Austrians may be forced to accept this offer.

Swedish Miracle! Swedish Army Halts Advance of Russians at Helsinki

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With the Russian Army having occupied all of Poland-Lithuania, the Russians decided to leave only a small force in Warsaw and move the rest of the Army through the Baltics and into Finland for an assault on Helsinki. The Army managed to swiftly move through Swedish Livonia, Estonia, and Ingria in the face of little Swedish resistance, but when they reached Finland things would change. After raising a siege on Helsinki, the situation for the Swedes looked desperate. Their forces were outnumbered 2-to-1, as they had an army of 15,000 while the Russians commanded 30,000. After a conference in the city, Gustav Horn, one of the few Generals who had remained loyal to Christina, decided that the Army would exit the city walls and attempt to break the siege in battle. Christina gave a speech to the soldiers before they left the gates, asking them to call on the Virgin Mary for help, which few of the mostly still Lutheran army did. The Army then marched out of the city and launched a full-frontal attack on the Russians. The Russians were shocked by the aggressiveness of the Swedes, who were determined to defend their country from foreign domination. The combat soon became vicious, hand-to-hand savagery, except for a line of Russian artillery, which remained behind the main action firing at the city walls. But General Horn had wisely kept his artillery on the walls, which bombarded the Russian artillery and prevented too much damage to the walls. Seeing their artillery destroyed, the morale of the Russians sank as they realized that they had lost their only way of getting past the walls and into the city. Soon, a Swedish cavalry attack from behind all but cemented the victory as the dismembered and destroyed Russian Army limped away in tatters. The Swedes had lost 5,000 men, compared to 15,000 losses for the Russians. Sweden had been saved thanks to the brilliance of General Horn. Meanwhile, the Danish managed to capture all of Sweden proper, while Charles X Gustav still sits on the throne in Stockholm.

Death in Austria and England! New Holy Roman Emperor Crowned as Richard Cromwell takes Charge in England

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Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor, would pass away peacefully in 1658. He would be remembered for very little during his 20 years, other than the end of the 30 Years' War and the continued erosion of Imperial authority. The Electors of the Empire duly gathered and elected Leopold I Emperor. Leopold will immediately be faced with the challenge of the Papal Schism, and he will have to chose whether or not to intervene in Poland. Many Germans believe that the young Emperor represents a rebirth of sorts, buoyed by the hope that he will lead the Empire back to greatness. Meanwhile, in England Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell also died, setting the stage for his son to lead the Commonwealth. Richard Cromwell will be faced with the challenges of consolidating his rule, deciding what Puritan prohibitions will be carried over from his father's rule, and formulating a coherent foreign policy that will either follow or break from that of his father.
 

Vuu

Banned
The Swedes didn't just get away so easily, the Danes basically own their core and the Russians will return
 
1659: News Update in Europe

Warsaw Liberated by Austrians with Help from Polish Commander

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In one of his first decisions as Emperor, Leopold I, intent on gaining recognition for the Roman Pope, took the Swedes and Poles up on their offer and marched an Army into Poland. With Leopold at the head, the army left Vienna and headed toward Warsaw, with the aim of liberating the city from the Russians. The Russians had only left a small force at the city, as the bulk of their army had been involved in the assault on Helsinki. The small garrison was quickly overwhelmed by the Austrians, who also received the assistance of a Polish general who had evaded capture named John Sobieski. However, after the battle, the Austrians realized that they had just liberated a city that had been utterly destroyed by the Russians .The rebuilding and recovery of the city would certainly be a long and arduous process. Could this, along with the defeat at Helsinki, represent a major change in fortune for the previously victorious Russians?

Queen Christina's Fleet Devastated by Danes and Rebels in the Baltic!

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Seeking to capitalize on their success in Helsinki, Gustav Horn ordered the Swedish navy to head toward Stockholm, but little did he know that the bulk of the Danish and Swedish rebel navy was stationed near the island of Fasta Åland. Thus, the Swedish navy was caught off guard when it was attacked by a massive enemy navy commanded by Carl Gustaf Wrangel, Charles X Gustav's leading General. In the battle of Fasta Åland, Christina's navy was all but destroyed in a devastating defeat. General Horn, who was given command of the Swedish navy, was killed when the gunpowder kept in the hull of his ship was blown up by the Danes, causing the ship to erupt and sink into the sea. Will Queen Christina be able to recover from such a massive defeat, in which almost her whole navy was obliterated?

Dispute between French and English leads to French Peace with Spain

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In 1659, Louis XIV would learn that Richard Cromwell was much less acquiescent than his father in regard to military plans. The French King thought that Cromwell, being a young and inexperienced ruler, would be easily convinced into sending a massive new army to the Low Countries to help the French break the stalemate there. However, during 1659, the Portuguese Restoration War would heat up once again, as the Spanish would raise a siege of Elvas, which if captured would provide a gateway to Lisbon. Unfortunately for Louis, Cromwell proved intransigent, as he saw helping the old allies of the English in their Restoration War to be a much bigger priority than helping the French conquest Flanders. This dispute over strategy soon became bitter, with Cromwell accusing Louis of being more interested in personal territorial ambitions than in helping oppressed people against the Spanish, while Louis accused Cromwell of being a fool incapable of commanding an army. The dispute reached a point where Louis decided that he could no longer work with the young Lord Protector. In the Treaty of the Pyrenees, it was agreed that Rousillon and Artois, henceforth to be called Northern Catalonia and French Flanders, were to be ceded to the French. It was also decided that in order to improve relations between the two Kingdoms, Maria Theresa of Spain was to be betrothed to Louis XIV. England still remains at war with Spain, though, and it remains to be seen what military course Cromwell will decide to pursue in regard to Portugal.
 
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