Karl Peter Ulrich's War!

[arctic warrior]

In OTL the nobility had much to say in the past because it were numerous: about 10% of population, while in most other european states it was like 1-2% of population. After the partitions the absolutist monarchies reduced the numbers of nobility renouncing the privileges for the less wealthy nobles. the same repeated after each failed insurrection. The former nobles migrated to the towns and became the founders of Polish inteligentsia. How did Carl and Frederick deal with the nobility in this timeline?
BTW. In P-L Commonwealth there were no aristicratic titles besides of some knyaz (princely) titles for old Russian and Lithuanian aristocracy. Would the new dynasty in this timeline introduce some counts or merquesses?

And thanks for the timeline in which the Commonwealth isn't dismembered and it seems to manage quite well, especially against Russia. A that time it was really powerfull state and Poland - Lithuania couldn't fight with it even in an alliance with somebody. Here PLC still is not powerfull enough to fight alone but it has faithfull allies.

Well do look up the early parts of the War of Bavarian Succession. Charles upon ascending the throne had the constitution changed to limit the political powers of the nobility to veto everthing.

The internal nobility as such hasn't been my focus but given the nature of Frederick he might well introduce the Oldenburg system of Baron as outlined by Valdemar II.

I'm quite glad you find it of interest.
I'm really doing what I can to not have the commonwealth dismembered. A Russia kicked out of Europe for some decades seemed to make it possible.

 

[Valdemar II]

To give a idea about the size of a hartkorn

Here's the average areal for one hartkorn for different landtypes

Farmland 27 581 m²
Meadow 55 162 m²
Pasture 275 810 m²
Woodland 551 620 m²

What are interesting are how you can change the hartkorn all after if you increased the productive output. So if you own one hartkorn woodland, by making it into farmland, you get 20 hartkorn. This give a incentiment to increase you production, while at the same time, you need to give your real income to the tax collector to get your title.

This meant to be baron you needed 27,58 km² farmland, 55,16 km² meadow, 275,81 km² pasture or 551,62 km² woodland, while to be count you needed 68,95 km² farmland, 137,91 km² meadow, 689,53 km² pasture or 1379,05 km² woodland

 

[Valdemar II]

Here's some thought to how I think Poland are developing at this point.
We know the throne has become heritable and the veto changed. As Mefisto said the Prussian-Russian-Austrian did lowering the number of nobles, we will likeloy see the same here down the road. Likely the Oldenburg kings will likely just create a new low noble class of free farmer with extended rights, but no influence on the Sejm (this keep them from revolting, but also ensure that the king need to deal with fewer nobles).
According to wiki in Poland proper 15-20% of the land was crown land, while Lithuania didn't have crown land (I find no reason to doubt this). This are important, because the king will likely extend their power over this crown land first, with right to raise taxes on crown lands without the Sejm consent. The new patent nobility/briefadel of Barons and Counts will likely buy land there, they won't have freedom from taxation or a vote in the sejm, unless they have one from land outside crown lands. But they will get other benefits (adminstrators and officers will be recruited among these to create a incitement from old Polish nobility to join them). Newly conquered Prussia (both ducal and royal) will likely be run after the Brandenburg tradition (absolutism with freedom from taxation for the ancient nobility), through the new patent nobility will likely be spread to there too.
The money for selling crown lands to the new briefadel will go to reform the state, investment in proto-industrialisation and buying non-crown land. At the same the king will likely use every oppotunity when a old noble break the law to confiscate their land and make it crown lands. All in all I expect at least a third of the population to pay direct taxes by 1800. While this seem low it does give the king a secure source of income and enable him to upkeep a medium sized army 100-200 thousands man, likely backed up by militia raised among serfs on crown land and Prussia.

We will likely see growing tensions between the the old Polish-Lithuanian nobility and the king and his supportes among briefadel, burghers and Prussians. It won't help that many of the kings supporters are German speakers and Protestants. The tension will likely be kept somewhat down by the the fact that the king do has a army to back him up, and many will fear that their property will be conficated if they rebel (as it likely happened for them whom sided with the Russians in the Livonian War). A problem with this tension are that the noble will push a Catholic and Polish identity against the kings German supporters. So the tension are slowly developing into a proto nationalist movement like Hungary in the late 18th century. It's unlikely to turn into a full blown revolution yet, but the king has to be careful not to push too much or show weakness.

 

[arctic warrior]

@Valdemar II:
Thanks for the analysis - I do have some trouble in deciding the unfolding history of Poland-L-Pr so it helps. Did have a nobility unrest sort of things on the tapestry due to Mefisto's questions on the status of Prussia but this serve to clear my tables.
I don't want an all powerfull PLP but wait for events to unfold - things will change soon in Eastern Europe.

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1813[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With Schimmelmann's steady rule at the economic helm of the Empire Denmark-Norway is prospering. Its merchantmen are bringing back luxury goods from China and India in times of need escorted by warships of the Navy sent on global anti-pirate and trafficking patrolling. The bases in Bimbia, Cameroon, Adolfborg (Walwis Bay), St. Marie Island, Madagascar and in the Nicobars serve to replenish the navy ships.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]At this time the export of poor from Denmark-Norway to the colonies surrounding the Navy bases are intensified mostly in Madagascar as the more friendly climate of the central parts of the island is explored by Danish merchants trading with the Hova Empire.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Initially the Hova king is sceptic of settlement of Danes in the centre of the island but a fair treaty between the Hova King and his Danish-Norwegian counterpart with promised better agricultural yields for the Hova as well as the good relations enjoyed coupled with promised support of him by Danish-Norwegian military seals the deal.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Nicobars are only kept as an emergency base for the Navy and a Devils Island for convicts; the climate ensure they die in droves.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Bimbia in Cameroon itself doesn't really prosper but the hinterlands is being explored and settlement undertaken in more friendly parts as is tried out in Ghana; but much better progress is made in Cameroon due to better relationship with the local population. In Ghana the Ashanti, Akvambo and Augna even if allied or subdued doesn't encourage settlement in large numbers as their rulers are reluctant to allow this and Danish-Norwegian resources is against renewed military expeditions.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Adolfborg in South West Africa is an oasis on the barren coast but that's about it. Relations with the natives are generally good but the area not viewed as being the site for large scale colonization though some agricultural development is done along the river with artificial irritation done by imported Dutch farmers allowed to settle by producing needed foodstuffs for the navy base.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Cisalpine Crusade[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The defeat in Italy of the Papal Crusaders makes for King Charles of Spain to be the target of Papal criticism and scorn. His cousin King Ferdinand of Naples and Sicily is hard pressed and demanding troops to fight off the republicans. Adding to his problems are the rebellions of poor peoples and peasants erupting all over southern Italy.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Pope also turns up the volume on Emperor Francis of Austria but the emperor is still weary of recent wars with German princes and the French and only agree to funnel economic support.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]His catholic subjects are becoming increasingly vocal about the threat to the Mother Church and Frances knows he will have to do something at some point; not just now.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In France members of the Assembly is arguing active military support for the Cisalpine Republic in its struggle against the forces of reaction. For the time being Tallyrand is able to wither the storm but he too is looking to the future with uneasiness and decide to make contacts in Britain and Germany to prepare for the future.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Just at the turn of the year when everybody had seemed to accept the stalemate the Cisalpine commander had the perception of the Papal troops to be so weakened by losses sustained and troops scattered all over the countryside to counter uprisings that the time was ripe for a Christmas offensive.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Reinforced by an increasing flow of volunteers the Cisalpine Republic army had swelled like never before; mostly cannon fodder though but even that had a place in any army.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As the Papal troops were celebrating Christmas the Cisalpine army struck overwhelming weak opposition and being at the gates of Rome in no time. The Sardinian army were annihilated in the process.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Russo-Persian War[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Russia decide to have a go at the Caucasus to re-establish its local power status.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Moving south along the Black Sea coast the Russian adventure is viewed as a threat by Persia and Prince Abbas Mirza crosses the Terek river moving north west along it.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The armies meet at Mozdok in Ossetia where Abbas Mirza fielding the larger and better led army is able to defeat the Russian.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The following treaty leave Caucasus to Persia as a sphere of interest.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Badly humiliated for the second time in a few years Russia decide to look to the Pacific for expansion.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In North America the US and Hidalgo's filibuster expeditions serve to provoke retaliation of an overzealous Spanish governor.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Unable to catch the filibuster's the Spanish troops take their frustration out on the new émigré settlements of Mississippi Valley. As these peoples still speak Spanish with a plethora of accents they are deemed enemies of Spain and Holy Mother Church and several massacres are committed by the Spanish troops.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Even if the events does make for some uneasiness of US towns and settlements in the Mississippi Valley president Madison decide against armed interference and settle by having acts of a reinforced army and navy passed to be able to defend the Republic.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In New Spain the massacres fuels the suppressed Hidalgo movement in Mexico making for King Charles of Spain to dispatch reinforcements to the colony. But only a very few as developments in Italy were drawing the great showdown uncomfortably closer.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1814[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]A bill of public education require all children age 7-14 of the Kings lands to attend school and colleges of education are set up.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The apparent weakness of Russia make for a Swedish envoy to Poland-Lithuania-Prussia to engage in an alliance to take advantage of it. But King Frederick 2. is hesitant; its only four years since the end of the Livonian War and his country is prospering with the eastern metropolis of Kiev attracting trade from neighbouring Russian lands. The answer is no.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Trying to have Denmark-Norway enter in alliance to ease the Polish hesitation King Frederick and his ministers are firmly against any such proposal.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Cisalpine Crusade[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As the Cisalpine Republicans were laying siege to the Holy City the Papal voice was silenced only to be carried on by his Cardinals, Bishops and other clergy in the Catholic lands.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And they did lift up their voices in the Austrian Empire and the Spanish Kingdom. And the rulers listened and understood. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Neither Francis or Charles did like what they heard. Both had other things to worry about.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Hungarians were increasingly vocal about autonomy as were the Croatian so any mismanagement of the situation could have a severe backlash.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Spanish colonial empire were creaking mostly in Mexico and other parts of Nuevo Espana but in other areas unrest were felt. The loss of Cuba to the English had cut the slave-trade making for a larger influx of Europeans to settle in the Americas. It made for greater taxation to the crown but also more unrest as small landowners didn't like the superiority attitude of Caballeros and tended to if not aid then secretly support rebels.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]On New Years day Charles made public a wow to liberate the Pope from his besiegers; he was much greeted by the masses at Mass.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Francis though needed a tough lesson to draw the inherent conclusion; on New Years day a large crowd gathered in the castle square to demand liberation of their Pope and crushing of the republican Anti-Christ. As his Bohemian Guard were ready to fire at the masses to clear the square Francis declined to give the order and instead appeared on the balcony exclaiming to follow the demands of the masses. “But you are acting like the French” his prime minister whispered. Francis knew the implications full well but could only sigh.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With these open declarations republican France could only renew its pledges to the Cisalpine Republic and begin mobilization. Tallyrand wisely had his agreements with the British and Germans firmly in hand but would only produce these when necessary. No need to feed the blood-hounds of the Assembly too early.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In Germany the death of the Prince-Bishop of Fulda Emperor Charles makes Elector William of Hesse Prince-Bishop and add the land to his demesne.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Charles certainly didn't want to get involved in the Italian muddy waters and decided that the flight of some thousand subjects were much to be preferred to keep unity in this dire day. Of course war might be handy in this respect but he didn't need it at the moment; later perhaps.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The British were contend with the state of affairs; it might even be that a spillover from the Italian debacle could enlarge the British overseas empire.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As spring thawed the grounds the Austrian and Spanish armies set in motion. The Austrians made an informal inquiry with Emperor Charles of Germany to use German territory for entering France should the situation require it; Charles of course rejected the inquiry and mobilized troops mostly in Württemberg but the other German Princes also wanted a share of the spoils and mobilized too. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Emperor Francis knew he had bitten off more than he could chew and pulled back troops from borders with Germany. Tallyrand was much satisfied.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The other Austrian move into northern Italy onto Venice territorial lands forced that into the republican camp. And made for a French army to march to the aid of the Cisalpine Republic.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Further south in the Med a Danish frigate on patrol searching for pirates came across the Spanish transport fleet moving a Spanish army off for Italy. The Danish frigate saluted and then hastily beat the retreat only to meet a RN frigate relaying its information which were duly passed on to the French. The French navy did sortie to engage the Spanish off the Italian coast of what was left of the Papal State and defeated the Spanish in the Battle of Ostia; only after the army had been put ashore though.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Spanish navy had been defeated, Spanish interference in the Italian war disclosed and the French republic reacted accordingly invading Spain along the Catalan coast.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1815[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Carsten Niebuhr cartographer explorer and linguist dies at age 82. Since the expedition to Arabia 1761-67 and participation in the punitive military expedition to Algiers 1770 that turned out a success not least because of Niebuhr; he remained a revered and much sought authority on Arabian matters and a member of the German Chancellery. Becoming a member of the Royal Society of Science due to his achievements as a cartographer.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Niebuhr published a long list of scientific studies of his exploits in Arabia and Algiers as well as cartographic works in the service of the Crown. His maps is still reckoned to be extremely accurate and is in use by the Danish-Norwegian navy. A statue of Niebuhr would later be erected in front of Copenhagen University.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Cisalpine Crusade[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]God didn't seem to hold his hand over his flock this year. During the severe winter which saw snow in the Holy City the Pope finally surrendered. Just to show their superiority the Cisalpine commanders and their French allies let him ride a donkey alone through to the Crusader lines; wearing all his papal gear tiara and such. Even the Crusader troops got the message.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Spanish relief army landed at Ostia with their fleet defeated was easily stomped by a French corps sent to aid the Cisalpine.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In Catalonia the French were also victorious soundly defeating the Spanish army and then dictating peace. Upon this real rebellions broke out in Nuevo Espana; with no navy to support the overseas empire at least not all of it at any given time its army defeated and humiliated Nuevo Espana broke apart. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Louisiana formed a European independent catholic republic not wanting to be part of Spain or any of its former colonies while the rest of Nuevo Espana except Texas which joined Louisiana formed the Empire of Mexico. The last to be riddled by internal strife for decades due to social stratification of the white population of different ethnic and religious composition.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Austrian army sent into Venice soon controlled all of Venice that is until the arrival of a French army, defeat at Milan and hasty retreat into the Tyrol. Both states concluded peace on the status quo ante and recognition of the Venetian Republic as a buffer; pro French of course.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But as Emperor Francis had expected the backslash was severe. The Hungarian demands for autonomy was impossible but worse still was the catholic reaction; the Bohemians were accused of treacherous behaviour of aiding the republicans and generally of being anti-Christ. Following the first pogrom Francis younger brother Ferdinand duke of Bohemia decided to ask for German military aid as Francis was afraid of his throne should he order the army to fire at the population not least the very reliability of the army's willingness to do so![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Emperor Charles of Germany accepted the request ordering troops into Bohemia. At this Francis saw no alternative to war with Germany, in which he hoped to keep the Hungarians in the Empire but fearing the worst the Austrian army already beaten by the French in Italy now suffered defeat by the Germans at the White Mountain. Ferdinand offered his allegiance to Charles who accepted it eagerly.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]There was no peace treaty as such as the Austrian Empire dissolved. The Hungarians claimed independence; the Croatian lingered on for a few months before leaving too which left Francis with only the Arch-Duchy of Austria Bavaria being taken away by Germany. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Added to von Dahlberg's Franconia. That was the recipe for disaster; Württemberg felt betrayed and so did the other Kings of Saxony, Brandenburg and Pfalz.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But the British did receive their spill-over; a number of small states in Central America decide upon independence from Spain asking for British protection in the process. Which they duly received.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]President Madison wanted to protect the Louisiana but his proposal was rejected by Louisiana and he had to settle with admitting the Mississippi Territory into the Union as its 19. state.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Eruption of Gunung Tambora, Sumbawa in the Dutch East Indies. The volcano cuts off 1,400 meters of the mountain and blast 1,7 million tons of volcanic dust, ash, stone into the atmosphere. For years the Java Sea is difficult to navigate due to floats of pimp stone.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

And a close up of Europe 1815

 

[Valdemar II]

A few comments, Slovenia nor Istria would likely not become part of Croatia, it was fully integrated into the Austria domains and the elite was part of the Austrian nobility. Galicia won't join Hungary it was adminstrated separate, and the access to it was incredible hard. It's more likely that it either set itself up as a Noble Republic or join Poland (unlikely with the increased power of the Polish kings). I would also give Croatia a good chance to either stay part of Hungary or rebel and join a personal union with Austria. I also think that Niederbayern and Oberpfalz would be more likely to stay part of either Austria or Bohemia (no need for strengthen von Dalburg even more), maybe they split it with Oberpfalz to Bohemia and Niederbayern to Austria. Beside that, beside me sheeding a few tears for the Austrian Empire good update.

 

[arctic warrior]

A few comments, Slovenia nor Istria would likely not become part of Croatia, it was fully integrated into the Austria domains and the elite was part of the Austrian nobility. Galicia won't join Hungary it was adminstrated separate, and the access to it was incredible hard. It's more likely that it either set itself up as a Noble Republic or join Poland (unlikely with the increased power of the Polish kings). I would also give Croatia a good chance to either stay part of Hungary or rebel and join a personal union with Austria. I also think that Niederbayern and Oberpfalz would be more likely to stay part of either Austria or Bohemia (no need for strengthen von Dalburg even more), maybe they split it with Oberpfalz to Bohemia and Niederbayern to Austria. Beside that, beside me sheeding a few tears for the Austrian Empire good update.

I'll have a closer look into your comments. I really wanted to screw Austria in essence to protect it but of course an Austrian port wouldn't be bad except it puts Austria in the way of revolutionary Italy.
Hmmm.

Galizia; thought there was a catch somewhere - thanks for unveiling it. Might turn it into a de facto nobility republic but with Austrian sovereignty - would that be too odd? Guess not!

Croatia; I remember those threads on the Triple Empire did use it too sometime but I really like to tear things apart this time I have something nasty in mind - just you wait and see!

Bavaria is the price of the German Empire and von Dahlberg is getting it to not giving it to Württemberg or Brandenburg or Saxony or Pfalz or... sorry.

 

[Valdemar II]

I'll have a closer look into your comments. I really wanted to screw Austria in essence to protect it but of course an Austrian port wouldn't be bad except it puts Austria in the way of revolutionary Italy.
Hmmm.

You can always have the Austrians accept the French-Italians marching through (neutral powers often did), BTW unless the Italians get Tuscany, I think the French-Italian relationship are going to sour pretty fast.

Galizia; thought there was a catch somewhere - thanks for unveiling it. Might turn it into a de facto nobility republic but with Austrian sovereignty - would that be too odd? Guess not!

Nothing odd about that. It fit well for the times.

Croatia; I remember those threads on the Triple Empire did use it too sometime but I really like to tear things apart this time I have something nasty in mind - just you wait and see!

I'm looking forward to it.

Bavaria is the price of the German Empire and von Dahlberg is getting it to not giving it to Württemberg or Brandenburg or Saxony or Pfalz or... sorry.

go for it

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1815[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Carsten Niebuhr cartographer explorer and linguist dies at age 82. Since the expedition to Arabia 1761-67 and participation in the punitive military expedition to Algiers 1770 that turned out a success not least because of Niebuhr; he remained a revered and much sought authority on Arabian matters and a member of the German Chancellery. Becoming a member of the Royal Society of Science due to his achievements as a cartographer.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Niebuhr published a long list of scientific studies of his exploits in Arabia and Algiers as well as cartographic works in the service of the Crown. His maps is still reckoned to be extremely accurate and is in use by the Danish-Norwegian navy. A statue of Niebuhr would later be erected in front of Copenhagen University.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Cisalpine Crusade[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]God didn't seem to hold his hand over his flock this year. During the severe winter which saw snow in the Holy City the Pope finally surrendered. Just to show their superiority the Cisalpine commanders and their French allies let him ride a donkey alone through to the Crusader lines; wearing all his papal gear tiara and such. Even the Crusader troops got the message.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Spanish relief army landed at Ostia with their fleet defeated was easily stomped by a French corps sent to aid the Cisalpine.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In Catalonia the French were also victorious soundly defeating the Spanish army and then dictating peace. Upon this real rebellions broke out in Nuevo Espana; with no navy to support the overseas empire at least not all of it at any given time its army defeated and humiliated Nuevo Espana broke apart. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Louisiana formed a European independent catholic republic not wanting to be part of Spain or any of its former colonies while the rest of Nuevo Espana except Texas which joined Louisiana formed the Empire of Mexico. The last to be riddled by internal strife for decades due to social stratification of the white population of different ethnic and religious composition.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Austrian army sent into Venice soon controlled all of Venice that is until the arrival of a French army, defeat at Milan and hasty retreat into the Tyrol. Both states concluded peace on the status quo ante and recognition of the Venetian Republic as a buffer; pro French of course.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But as Emperor Francis had expected the backslash was severe. The Hungarian demands for autonomy was impossible but worse still was the catholic reaction; the Bohemians were accused of treacherous behaviour of aiding the republicans and generally of being anti-Christ. Following the first pogrom Francis younger brother Ferdinand duke of Bohemia decided to ask for German military aid as Francis was afraid of his throne should he order the army to fire at the population not least the very reliability of the army's willingness to do so![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Emperor Charles of Germany accepted the request ordering troops into Bohemia. At this Francis saw no alternative to war with Germany, in which he hoped to keep the Hungarians in the Empire but fearing the worst the Austrian army already beaten by the French in Italy now suffered defeat by the Germans at the White Mountain. Ferdinand offered his allegiance to Charles who accepted it eagerly.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]There was no peace treaty as such as the Austrian Empire dissolved. Bohemia had already left for the German Empire which it used to be part of. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Hungarians claimed independence; the Croatian lingered on for a few months before leaving too; a Papal offer of a Kings crown were too tempting which left Francis with only the Arch-Duchy of Austria Bavaria being taken away by Germany. And the formal sovereignty of Galizia which de facto became a nobility republic.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Croatia never intended to aid the Pope in the struggle against the Cisalpine Republic; that war had been fought and lost. No the Croatia if any would look south; Dalmatia could need liberation from Venice and lands in the Ottoman Empire so too.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Bavaria was added to von Dahlberg's Franconia. It seemed fine at the moment as not to over blow any of the Kings thus dwarfing the Emperor himself but it was the recipe for disaster; Württemberg felt betrayed and so did the other Kings of Saxony, Brandenburg and Pfalz.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But the British did receive their spill-over; a number of small states in Central America decide upon independence from Spain asking for British protection in the process. Which they duly received.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]President Madison wanted to protect the Louisiana but his proposal was rejected by Louisiana and he had to settle with admitting the Mississippi Territory into the Union as its 19. state.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Eruption of Gunung Tambora, Sumbawa in the Dutch East Indies. The volcano cuts off 1,400 meters of the mountain and blast 1,7 million tons of volcanic dust, ash, stone into the atmosphere. For years the Java Sea is difficult to navigate due to floats of pimp stone.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

Swiftly revised map of Europe 1815:

 

[arctic warrior]

You can always have the Austrians accept the French-Italians marching through (neutral powers often did), BTW unless the Italians get Tuscany, I think the French-Italian relationship are going to sour pretty fast.

Are you a mind reader?

Nothing odd about that. It fit well for the times.

Fine I thought so!

go for it

Certainly do!

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1816 [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The year without summer. The after effects of Gunung Tambora eruption is felt in the northern hemisphere this year as the dust from the eruption almost blackens out the sun and snow is experienced in London during August![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Only around the Baltic and in Russia did the effects seem less. Indeed Norway suffered a cold summer and generally a very cold year but Denmark was less affected as was the case with Livonia and eastern Poland-Lithuania-Prussia. Famine was threatening Norway as the Danish yield was much less than normal but the availability of cereals from Livonia and Poland made up for the losses.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The centre of European bad weather seemed to be in France radiating out into England, western Germany, Italy, Spain and even North Africa.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Ireland suffers an epidemic of typhoid.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Death of King Frederick of Württemberg. He is succeeded by his son William. For a while this dampens the aspirations of the German Kings as Frederick had been the driving force in their grumbling against the Emperor.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But negotiations regarding the dividing of the Austrian spoils does continue.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Cisalpine Crusade[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The events around Rome and in northern Italy [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]the year before [/FONT]had calmed the southern front but by spring [FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]if one could call the extended winter so [/FONT]the Cisalpine Republic had finished preparations for defeating Naples thus conquering all of mainland Italy. Except French Tuscany of course.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With solid French diplomatic backing the Cisalpine troops marched south towards Naples itself as the ultimate objective. As the republican troops closed in on Naples King Ferdinand saw no other option than to leave his mainland possession to them and crossed to Sicily to maintain part of his kingdom.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]He was allowed so. Not because the Cisalpine Republic didn't have the troops for conquering Sicily but because for some reason Tallyrand had the Assembly deny the Cisalpine Republic use of ships to transport them. Tallyrand wanted the war to end as he perceived that war was brewing in Germany and he didn't want to be caught flatfooted; the army and navy engaged in some far corner of Europe.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Pope by the way was furious of the Croatian accept of a crown but decline to support the crusade![/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Spain began to slowly trying reasserting its sovereignty on the break-away colonies in the Americas. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Louisiana were out not so much because of its own strengths but because president Madison made it clear that Spanish actions in Louisiana would be a provocation of USA.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Lacking troops and navy transportation Spain decided against action on Louisiana. Another reason was the annoying continuing RN presence wherever Spanish navy units were moving about the Caribbean waters; and if it wasn't RN then Danish-Norwegian navy units would be on the trail.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In Louisiana the major city Natchitoches were the capital of the new state even if the Texans thought their own Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Nacodoches or San Antonio might do just as well if not better; the major reason to chose Natchitoches were its proximity to the USA as well as the Mississippi river and access to the sea. The access were restricted though by the ever present Raft which obstructed navigation.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Clearing the raft was found to be close to impossible with means available and moving the capital to a better location on the Mississippi or Arkansas rivers were then debated.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But the debate seemed only to fuel Texan resentment of being the outback of the state so the debate was halted and founding of a port city on either major river was decided upon.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Mexico was ablaze with revolution and counter-revolution; nobody really knew what was going on in the country except what refugees to mostly Louisiana could tell.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Farther south in Nuevo Granada and the Vice-royalty of Peru the Spanish rule also collapsed due to revolution.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Indiana enters the Unions as its 20. state.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In the far east Russia managed to renew communications with the autonomous region on the Pacific; the initiatives in making trade agreements with Japan and China is much welcome even if the Japanese adventure is a kind of moonlight affair. Nobody tell the Emperor or the Shogun even if the latter is supposed to know and approve of it.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But to the horror of the governor the Russian government decide to once again engage in Alaska and orders an expedition to leave the following year.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1817[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The effects of the Tambora eruption continue with the coldest winter in the memory of man.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The lack of foodstuffs now being felt all over Europe, North America and in China makes for returning riots by hungry mobs looking for food.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Troops are regularly sent to beat up the mobs or just shoot at them to make them dissolve.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Things are still bad in Norway but the possibility of gaining surplus cereals from Livonia and Poland-Lithuania-Prussia makes for the Dual-Monarchy to fight its way through the crisis.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]An effect on art is the red or yellow sky present in almost any painting of the time.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Death of Prince-Bishop Carl Theodor von Dalberg. His estate of Prince-Bishopric Franconia is disputed among the German Kings. To end the dispute Emperor Charles decide to have an Imperial administrator named to rule Franconia until a solution can be found. Charles is adverse to name another Prince-Bishop but also to divide the estate between his Kings.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But his Kings were not satisfied by this practical arrangement and as agreement can't be reached the Emperor finds himself cornered. Only supported by his Chancellor of Empire Elector William of Hesse.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]If it wasn't for the dreary times and need to use troops to guard foodstuffs and break up riots the German kings would be at each others throats.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And this exact situation is protested by the students of Germany meeting at the ancient Wartburg Castle agitating German unity and decrying civil war.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This kind of political agitation is severely repressed in the German states.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The generally bad weather poor harvest and subsequent lack of oats for horses makes German Freiherr Karl Friedrich von Drais invent the Draisine a kind of bicycle without gears only propelled by the riders own feet.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The wooden contraption is enjoying much success among the gentry with its males showing off their ability to make it run as fast or long as possible.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]To the south of Hungary the Ottoman Empire fuelled by the weakness of Russia and the collapse of the Austrian Empire looks for spoils. Even if the present isn't suitable for operations due to the bad weather and its effects upon society. Envoys are sent off to Sweden and Poland-Lithuania-Prussia to seek alliances against Russia or possibly the former Austrian Empire. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Poles are reluctant but the Swedes enthusiastic.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]A possible ally at last; not the strongest its contemplated but it will suffice.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The turmoil in the former Austrian Empire in Germany and Italy makes for another bout of emigration to Louisiana. Generally the deteriorating standard of living in Europe make for increased migration to North America, both the USA and Louisiana. The increase in immigration makes for the USA to draw up Acts of Immigration.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Also the ongoing revolutions in Mexico fuel émigrés into Texas and some to Louisiana.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]A port is founded on the Red River close to its mouth in the Mississippi named Independence. (ca OTL Simmesport)[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Russian expedition for Alaska is rescheduled for the following year.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In South America a number of new states emerge – Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay. The inability of Spain of reinforcing her garrisons in the Americas cause the rapid overthrow of Spanish colonial rule.[/FONT]

 

[Valdemar II]

One thing I don't think we will see the same degree of support for German unification, Germany has avoided being occupied and being the French battleground, so there will be much stronger regional identities. I think especially Brandenburg which has avoided French armies on it territorium and have been in conflict with Poland an d Denmark to greater degree, are developing it own separate national identity.

 

[Mefisto]

Interesting development. I can't see how Galicia could be separated from Poland. First: it was the second most important part of Polish realm from centuries it was called Lesser Poland. Second: after dissolution of Austrian Empire there was no foreign power to prevent the return of this land to motherland. Third: any Polish monarch had a valid claim fot it and the new dynasty wasn't more foreign than Saxon or Vasa dynasty earlier. And the local nobility and burghers were aware of it. The Poles had much lesser claim on Kiev which was regarded by Russian as kind of Holy City, the first capital of Rus'. If Polish kingdom managed to maintain Kiev it would be much easier to regain southern peripheries. Fourth: the Noble Republic was too poor and had too small potential in demography and military to resist pressure from the new Polish power. And lastly even if part of nobility claimed the independence, their attempt to stage "The Only Real Poland" would be doomed by peasant riots and insurrections. Peasants weren't stupid and for sure would support a monarchy which promised to improve their life. So in conclusion I could only see a short-lived quasi-state which could last only a few months. And the only reason it wasn't outright annexed to Poland would be an emergence of some charismatic noble leader claiming the return of Golden Liberty against the Danish Absolutism (maybe even claiming the crown - Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was at that time a republic but ruled by the king ) and some diplomatic moves from the king who hoped that the southern land would eventually return to motherland without a bloodshed. But if the usurper would be getting too bold, the reaction would be strong.

If I was to write this timeline I would make the independentist at least paid by Russians in hope to incite a prolonged civil war in PLC and make Poles too bleed themselves and at the same time wait for the possibility to regain Kiev. But I can't see really long struggle. The reestablishing of Polish rule in Galicia would be done in 1816 latest IMHO.

 

[arctic warrior]

One thing I don't think we will see the same degree of support for German unification, Germany has avoided being occupied and being the French battleground, so there will be much stronger regional identities. I think especially Brandenburg which has avoided French armies on it territorium and have been in conflict with Poland an d Denmark to greater degree, are developing it own separate national identity.

I do have in mind a much more turbulent German development - which I haven't developed fully yet. But the general outline - yes. Final outcome - not sure yet.

 

[arctic warrior]

Interesting development. I can't see how Galicia could be separated from Poland. First: it was the second most important part of Polish realm from centuries it was called Lesser Poland. Second: after dissolution of Austrian Empire there was no foreign power to prevent the return of this land to motherland. Third: any Polish monarch had a valid claim fot it and the new dynasty wasn't more foreign than Saxon or Vasa dynasty earlier. And the local nobility and burghers were aware of it. The Poles had much lesser claim on Kiev which was regarded by Russian as kind of Holy City, the first capital of Rus'. If Polish kingdom managed to maintain Kiev it would be much easier to regain southern peripheries. Fourth: the Noble Republic was too poor and had too small potential in demography and military to resist pressure from the new Polish power. And lastly even if part of nobility claimed the independence, their attempt to stage "The Only Real Poland" would be doomed by peasant riots and insurrections. Peasants weren't stupid and for sure would support a monarchy which promised to improve their life. So in conclusion I could only see a short-lived quasi-state which could last only a few months. And the only reason it wasn't outright annexed to Poland would be an emergence of some charismatic noble leader claiming the return of Golden Liberty against the Danish Absolutism (maybe even claiming the crown - Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was at that time a republic but ruled by the king ) and some diplomatic moves from the king who hoped that the southern land would eventually return to motherland without a bloodshed. But if the usurper would be getting too bold, the reaction would be strong.

If I was to write this timeline I would make the independentist at least paid by Russians in hope to incite a prolonged civil war in PLC and make Poles too bleed themselves and at the same time wait for the possibility to regain Kiev. But I can't see really long struggle. The reestablishing of Polish rule in Galicia would be done in 1816 latest IMHO.

Thanks for the input. I'm pondering precisely what to do in Eastern Europe right now and more importantly the role of Poland-L-Pr. I have some ideas but have to think it over.
Right now even western Poland seems to be affected of the effects of Tambora eruption so I have been holding off some development.