|
Post by davezissou on Apr 19, 2018 18:06:16 GMT
This is based on the Victoria 2 series recently started by Agrippa over on YouTube. This is my first foray into an AAR so we'll see how it goes!
|
|
|
Post by davezissou on Apr 19, 2018 18:06:55 GMT
Placeholder
|
|
|
Post by davezissou on Apr 19, 2018 18:07:39 GMT
The quest for African colonization maaaarrrchhhhess on:
Initially contemplating supporting Spain's aims at the conquest of Morocco, Rei Agrippa I of Portugal sees an opportunity to take such military matters into his own hands. The question is, how will Spain react?Seemingly, they won't mind a bit. In short order, a request for military access was presented to and approved by the Spanish Crown. The time to prepare for war has come. Agrippa I spread word through the requisite military channels and transport ships carrying loads of troops began steaming through the Straits of Gibraltar.The 5th Army led by Luis Barreto in Tetouan stares down what seems like a much inferior Moroccan defense force, but who knows what could be lurking around the corner in this Victorian fog of war? Things start becoming more official in quick succession:The die is cast. Soon Portugal will be at war. It seems however, much is afoot in matters of war throughout the world.The United Kingdom has gone to war with the United States - who seems to be on a losing streak in their ongoing conflict with Mexico.But back to the important things... The declaration of war is made official and operations begin in earnest. The 5th marches on Fez to confront the Moroccan forces our intelligence has been able to confirm.Luis and his 5th army make quick work of Kamil's forces in Fez. The mission now turns from combat operations to that of occupation. Meanwhile, back home the political debate turns fittingly to war policy:Of course - with a conflict ongoing and the desire for expansion close to everyone's hearts, we declare our love for country and choose the way of the patriot! A união faz a força!
Progress on the Moroccan front: The time for debate pauses momentarily as election day arrives back home:
Cabralismo maintains majority - which is even more pronounced when taking into account their coalition with the Monarquicos.
Post election debate turns to the economy...Here, the political will leans toward a Laissez Faire approach.
For those newspaper collectors, and history lovers - here's your copy of the Diario de Lisboa with the Portuguese-Moroccan war featured on the front page!It took five months from the initial declaration of war for the conflict with Morocco to make front page in Portuguese papers - and like clockwork, five months later the 5th army had succeeded in forcing a Moroccan surrender. Within a year Portugal had expanded its borders, and grabbed even more significant a foothold into the African continent. Once again we wonder with bated breath - what will Spain think of this neighborly aggression? Will they feel threatened enough to draw up a response by losing so much surrounding territory, and with the increase in regional power surely to come from a rising Portugal? Time will tell!
|
|
|
Post by agrippamaxentius on Apr 19, 2018 19:24:51 GMT
This is beyond awesome Dave, keep it up!
|
|
|
Post by davezissou on Apr 20, 2018 18:52:27 GMT
With the Portoroccan war in the history books. It's time to shift our focus to the economy and the future of the nation. With our world-power status declining despite a successful war of conquest in Morocco - we must start looking for ways to reverse the course and march towards great-power status. Military is a pivotal factor when it comes to the power of a nation, and given that we're a nation of coastline in navy-rich waters with potential adversaries as Spain, The Netherlands, and more importantly the UK on our liquid doorstep, we should increase the power of our naval capacities.
Initially we'll focus on the development of our naval bases - once that is accomplished we'll look to build more ships to send to sea.
Good news comes early as Spain officially offers us some peace of mind in the form of an alliance.
However, just a month later reports surface in Portuguese papers that there may be some cracks in our relations with Spain despite the alliance. The questions of the motives from our neighbors naturally continue, as they could pose a significant existential threat to us should relations sour beyond repair. We tread lightly and offer nothing but friendship, however.
As a precautionary measure - Agrippa I decided to bring the Fightin' 5th back to the homeland should tensions arise, for whatever reason, with Spain and the need for defense prove necessary. Our fleet is small for now, though, and the army will need to travel back in smaller groups. The process begins:
Meanwhile, scientists back home make some major discoveries which further enhance the prestige of the nation:
The economy has stabilized which encourages increases in education spending, in addition to the lowering of middle class taxes and tariffs.
Meanwhile a nation that historically has never had any financial issues... defaults on her debts...
Maintaining colonies is no easy task, as who really enjoys being colonized themselves? Tensions among Portugal's colonies start to increase, and there's only one real option: quash rebellions before they gain steam.
However, the King seems intent on promoting religious tolerance, and freedom, not just at home, but in the colonies as well:
Elections are underway once again, and the policy debates increase in both frequency and intensity. In keeping with the King's theme of religious tolerance, the government finds areas they can agree with him in that regard and start working on policy to support freedoms such as these. Though, on the question of citizenship, the national attitude seems less inclined to adopt as liberal a stance.
The Cabralistas retain their status as the ruling party in Portuguese politics - no doubt their successes in Morocco, and able handling of the economy won them the bulk of their support among the people.
A bit of sad news befalls the nation as the hero leader of the Fightin' Fifth, Lieutenant-General Luís do Rego Barreto passes away quietly in his sleep. A funeral with full military honors was held for him in his hometown of Viana do Castelo on Friday 16 January 1852. A petition to have his statue erected outside the Paços do Concelho de Lisboa in the nation's capital has received thousands of signatures from people throughout the country wishing to pay their respects has made its way to the government for consideration.
As things begin to quiet down, a strange request reaches the desk of the King:
A request for military access from the United Kingdom - no other statement of intent or reason is given for the request. What could this possibly be for? Is the UK looking to start a war with Spain? No reports of tensions between the two powers have surfaced, either publicly or within our intelligence circles. Needless to say, we aren't looking to make enemies with Spain, so naturally we decline the curious request. The King sits back at his chair and ponders what the UK could have possibly wanted from him with that request, and how they may respond to the denial of it?
|
|
|
Post by davezissou on Apr 22, 2018 2:43:14 GMT
Ten months on from our denial of the United Kingdom's request for military access, has seen no tangible ill effect. We take this period of Pax Portugalia to increase our railroads, and to construct more ships in effort to bolster our naval prowess in the Atlantic. Construction begins in earnest - a frigate in Coimbra, a clipper in Setubal, and a man o' war in Beja. Meanwhile, domestically - the King directs the government to find ways of encouraging clergy and capitalists throughout the nation. Initial efforts begin in Coimbra, and Covilha.While things seemed to have cooled off in the colonies - some interesting news comes from our East Asian holding in Macao. It seems our tea harvests are having a record year in growth, sentiment within the halls of government seem to lean towards stockpiling the excesses for later use.Significant advances in medicine come from homegrown Portuguese scientists and medical professionals - discoveries of Hereditary Genetics, Pressure Chambers for Thorax Surgery, and Combat Medicine. No doubt these advances will keep Portugal in high-esteem through all that will be remembered of scientific history.Yet another election season falls upon the nation as the initial wave of Anachro-Liberalism which first flared up in Belgium has rippled its way into Portuguese politics. Familiar debates burn as fiercely as ever.The Cabralistas retain control, however, the three party system seems to be splintering as the Liberals seem to be partitioning themselves. The years between 1852 and 1858 see two significant increases in education spending, in addition to that of money directed towards administrative affairs. Now, often, we in power, and in busy professions that keep us out of touch with the common man, can really make us lose sight of how important, yet fragile life is. Often, there are people working more physically demanding jobs, and in less-than-desirable conditions, but their lives have no less meaning than that of a King's for example. So, in light of this philosophical, and spiritual perspective, may we offer our thoughts and prayers to the family of the Wazzanian Blacksmith who met his untimely fate as he was bringing in the new year in the best way he knew how...
As time ticks past the second week of July in 1858 - Portugal weathers another intense election season - the further fractioning of political parties spells potential turmoil on the horizon. The Cabralistas however, still manage to control the government, despite the liberals shrinking their lead to the narrowest margin yet!
Who knows if the Cabralistas can last another election - what will the country look like with a Liberal takeover? Time will tell. Meanwhile, the King scheduled a national speaking tour in effort to walk-back rumors which had spread that plans were in the works to invade Transvaal. Rumors which were leaked by an anonymous source - of which only a handful of Generals and cabinet members had been brought in to the loop. It would be the people themselves who would be surprised should the invasion actually occur, however, as it's not only a popular idea within Portuguese military circles, but within those of the hawks lining the halls of the government as well.
|
|
|
Post by davezissou on Apr 26, 2018 13:07:45 GMT
The period between 1859 and 1863 sees Portugal run up a national deficit and continuously seek ways to turn that around back into a surplus, but the world trudges along as well with conflicts flaring up in Europe of Schelswig, and the American Civil War breaking out across the Atlantic. Agrippa I orders the repayment of national debts in full - to curb money lost on interest paid to foreign banks.The development of the navy is coming along - the fleet joins up off the southern coast of Portugal. It now consists of 6 man o' wars, 2 frigates, and 4 clippers. A national census is taken, and a closer look at the demography of the Portuguese nation and her holdings comes into view. As we can see, just 50% of Portuguese territory is true Portuguese, the second largest nationality comprising the whole is Maghrebi, most of which was added recently with the conquest of Morocco. Meanwhile, politically, Conservatives and Liberals make up about 83% of the national ideology.In late May of 1860 news reaches Portuguese citizens that Socialism has started making waves throughout Europe with the publication of Karl Marx's work The Communist Manifesto. It feels like we've been here before after all, not long ago anarcho-liberalism became a popular ideology in Europe as well. If precedence repeats itself, it won't be long before Portuguese Socialism starts gaining steam. And indeed it does come to Portugal!Meanwhile Spain renews her alliance with us.The deficit soars ever higher in the latter half of this bloc, though. So, the King along with his government seek significant changes to spending in effort to stop as much of the economic hemorrhaging as possible.Changes which include the increase of taxes from all classes, followed by massive decreases in national stockpiles, military spending, and education. The hope is this will temporarily reduce the threat to the government's goal of reaching secondary power status by losing what economic might it has gained in recent years. With literacy higher than ever, and industrial and business research at the forefront of national policy, perhaps peripheral approaches rather than just monetary funding in these efforts will continue to yield progress on these important fronts.Yet another election season is upon us, and the Conservatives are campaigning more feverishly than usual with the liberal sects further splintering and pulling independents into their overall whole. We see similar debates, such as the width of citizenship, and military spending - the conservatives however still maintain their preferred courses.The Cabralistas pull it off again! Their coalition with the Monarquicos still isn't quite enough for the Liberals to stage a win over. The next elections are more in doubt for Conservatives than ever, though, the Liberals, if they could just form a coalition amongst themselves could easily defeat the status quo. The next few years will be interesting indeed!
Meanwhile, we'll leave it here with the current breakdown of the government.
|
|