Concert of Europe

[Greyblades]

We will oversee the area for the time being and later decide on how to proceed in political matters. We resent Your rhetoric, since England has engulfed the globe in wars of conquest and still does. There are Christians under moslem rule, right at Our doorstep, on top of that slavic brethren, this will not be conquest, but liberation.

Czar Nikolai

Enough, the last conqueror to preach of liberty was at least competent in maintaining his lies, if you cared about the slavic people in the Balklans as much as you preach you wouldn't have fled at the first hurdle in your last attempt, as such your conviction rings hollow.

Drop your hypocricy, hold your forces back, attend the conference and state your true intentions to the concert or you will find your next war less one sided as you had wished.

[Arjos]

We stated our intentions publicly, after privately being accepted by three (with Us four) members of the Concert, thus gaining a majority. And followed suit with an ultimatum to the Turks, following the military protocols. Wouldn't We have simply invaded if conquest was Our intention?

As His Majesty is so distrustful there they are:

- Unite catholic and orthodox christians under the respective Empires in the region, following the Carpathians, Balkans and Rhodopes Mountains.
- Help Free Greece win over the subjugated greek communities south of the Balkans.
- Remove the Turks altogether from Europe, unless they accept the Concert's authority.
- Establish free christian cities at the straits, ensuring passage to and from the Black Sea.

As you can see We followed that agenda to the letter and intend to continue.

Czar Nikolai

[Greyblades]

How nice, that isn't the issue, if you had simply invaded the French and Prussians wouldn't have given support. This is little more than a pretense and you are not convincing anyone otherwise.

I want written assurances that you won't control any part of the Balkans or Turkey after the fact; no annexations, no protectorates, the Balkans must become free autonomous christian states free of any obligation to anyone but themselves. The Ottoman mainland must be left alone. I also want written assurances from the other members of the Concert that they will enforce the conditions I supplied with millitary force should Russia take any territory in the Balkans. Finally I want those assurances written and sealed at the Schleswig and Holestein congress with the Danes as witness.

Those are my terms. If you truly are devoted to this cause of yours, you won't have a problem abiding with them. Agree and Great Britain will not become involved, do not agree, or break your promises and I'll make sure your Balkan campaign become more of a catastophy than Napoleon's reign.

[Arjos]

We didn't ask for their active intervention and they accepted, even proposed, that reasonable territorial partition. All We can see is a british obstruction to the Concert's agreement.

Czar Nikolai

[Greyblades]

A concert agreement carried out behind closed doors, at least one vote bought with promises of land, this I know. Do not try my patience sir, the only obstruction here is yourself, your deflections are tiring and evading the point shows poor conviction. If you cannot agree to such leinient terms then it is clear that your support for the greek people is merely for an oppertunity to take turkish land.

[Arjos]

There are no Greeks north of the Balkans Mountains and We will provide aid to Basileus Othon in the south aswell.
That was an agreement, started from public announcements and of course it isn't official as that land is not under the Concert's rule. When the war will end and should We succeed, We will call and demand a congress to define the borders and whether new states should arise. Then Her Majesty, will be able to present Her case to the Concert.

Czar Nikolai

[Franconicus]

We urge all parties to look for a peaceful agreement. There is no use in fighting each others. For France, it is no doubt that the people of the Balkans have to be freed from the Turks and that the straits have to stay open for all nations.
However, France has no intention to get involved into this conflict. We will only step in if our trade is hindered or if the straits are blocked.

France showed in the passed, that we will fight liberal tendencies at our neighbors. We are willing to use military forces if necessary, as we did at Spain, but we have no imperial intentions, see Spain.

[Greyblades]

We urge all parties to look for a peaceful agreement. There is no use in fighting each others. For France, it is no doubt that the people of the Balkans have to be freed from the Turks and that the straits have to stay open for all nations.
However, France has no intention to get involved into this conflict. We will only step in if our trade is hindered or if the straits are blocked.

France showed in the passed, that we will fight liberal tendencies at our neighbors. We are willing to use military forces if necessary, as we did at Spain, but we have no imperial intentions, see Spain.

Didnt that end in several decades of war?

[SoFarSoGood]

We made clear what Our intentions are and a sketch for any partition of the land, so far has been approved by France, Austria and Prussia, although there is no draft of it at the present moment.Czar Nikolai

Perhaps the Czar would care to publish this map for England and all to see?

On several areas this is troubling:

1. The 'partition' is agreed between Russia, France and Prussia. Are there not five great powers?

2. The 'Holy Alliance' it is claimed "will guarantee peace, order and welfare all over Europe" but now it is revealed that some 'partition' which two of the powers are not informed of is already agreed. Do partitions come peacefully? Not in our experience.

3. Austria openly admits to having spoken to the Czar regarding his Balkan plans during which he presented us with a map which we agreed in theory. We also commended to the Czar an International Conference... Since the map he showed us was agreed in principle we wonder why he has felt it necessary to privately agree a partition with France and Prussia without having the International Conference as we commended. Could the two maps be different?

4. Since the King of the French says he will not play any part in any Balkan actions but Austria has been asked to by the Czar why is not Austria invited to the 'Holy Alliance'? Presumably the partition agreed between Russia, Prussia and France must involve regions of Europe as well. Otherwise why is France opinion asked but not Austria nor England? Could it be that the extra 'partitions' involve Schleswig - Holestein?

Gentlemen Austria urges extreme caution on ALL Powers. We support England's call for a Conference that covers both Schleswig - Holestein and agrees any Balkans map should the Concert agree to action in this theatre. It is clear that should England wish to deny the Straits to Christian nations (by which we mean principally Russia) it is within her and Turkish power to do so. The Russian desire for control of the Straits is no longer realisable. Nor will Austria permit any 'secret partitions' within Europe that are not agreed by ALL powers.

We therefore urge all nations to restrain their words and actions and send such delegations as you think necessary to Praha (Prague) as soon as possible where we can convene two working committees; one on Schleswig - Holestein question and one on the Balkan question. We see this as a chance for transparency and real peace in Europe as well as resolution of the 'Turkish problem'.

[Arjos]

As We said, nothing is official, as there's no land to split, but just the same sketch that We sent enclosed to Our missive to Metternich. So long as the area is under turkish rule, there's no point in discussing it (just like the Kaiser noted).
Also, We didn't "ask", but informed His Imperial Majesty, that it wasn't Our intention to operate in the land west of the Carpathians and that co-operation would be welcomed.

As far as We are concerned, the Balkan situation is to be resolved: the Sultan denied the Concert's authority and Russia will intervene. Any partition will be discussed at the end of the war.

Czar Nikolai

[SoFarSoGood]

His Imperial Highness Ferdinand Announces:

A Grand Fair

Trade Fair Venue: Schonbrunn palace and grounds; http://www.french-engravings.com/old...n_3c23-en.html Extra tents may be required.

Open invitation 1842 and replies must be in December 1st 1842. Fair to take place June 1st - 30th 1843. Applicants must state which category they wish to compete in and how much space/open land they may require. A general description of their display and it's purpose will be well received.

Four Categories: Art and Culture (Music hosted in the Musikverein)

Military machines, new cannons, muskets, rifles and balloons (demonstrations in the Schonbrunn Tiergarten)

Industrial Machines, steam engines and factory innovations.

Trade fair: Any company wishing to sell it's good. Food, wine, gas lighting, medicines, books etc etc

A panel of Judges (one from each nation wishing to take part) will award prizes in each category and an overall winner.

All Europe is invited to attend (though due to space restrictions we may reject some applications). Let European commerce and trade and the wealth of all our nations in peace be our aim!

We understand that our brother France would like to make this a yearly affair and fully support the holding of another Fair in France in 1844.

[King Jan III Sobieski]

Good job guys, the chapter will be written next week once I get England's orders!

[Greyblades]

That might take a while, still trying to figure out how to one up Franconicus' child labour reforms.

[Franconicus]

Gentlemen,

please calm down.
France, having no egoistic interests in the Balkans nor in the SW-conflict exchanged notes with all other four of the big five to exchange thoughts and ideas about the current problems. In these exchanges, the French Foreign Minister pointed out the need to divide the Balkans between Austria and Russia for a period of maybe five years. There have not been any maps or so. We think that this is not only alright, but essential to prepare an agreement of the five. Our diplomacy does not replace the decision f the orchestra, but is trying to prepare it. Therefore I assume that our agents should meet and come to a plan, before more damage is done.

[Franconicus]

All over France newspapers publish extra articles about the policy of the King. King Louis-Phillippe is seen as the political leader of Europe. Unlike Napoleon, he does not want to draw down other countries, but create a lasting peace all over the world. The Holy Alliance is regarded to guarantee this.
Further more the papers point at the benefits of his economical policy. While Napoleon wasted all resources for his fruitless wars, the King fosters the economy. The railroad program, for example, will give good jobs to tenthousands and will boost economy all over the country.
Most impressing, yet, is the good heart of the monarch. He cares for the worker with his social reforms, especially for the children.
The Figaro writes: France is looking forward to a bright and peaceful future. Long live the King!

[SoFarSoGood]

Vienna Telegraph reports: "Steam Locomotive Deal Signed with England

It is understood from senior Management sources within the Emperor Ferdinand Eastern Railways Ltd that upto 15 of the newest design locomotives will be delivered to operate on the line now being prepared between Vienna and Budapest. Deputy Chairman Salomon Mayer von Rothschild has assured his Imperial Highness that this contract will not interfere with the companies own research on these devices while protecting the English patent of their machines. It is understood that a subsidiary company will be listed on the listed on the London Stock Exchange for all to benefit from this lucrative contract. Rothschild commented: "We had an option for the best. We took it." When questioned about controversial reported forced purchases of land on what may be a routes to Prague and Venice he replied "Railways are expensive, the longer they are the more expensive. The Company has a compensation fund and will be providing new housing for any families that may be displaced. The Empire is leaping into the future with the English contract and will have the best of the best. At the same time we shall take consideration of those who may lose. This is a major step forward."

[Franconicus]

His Royal Majesty, Louis-Phillippe, King of the French, moves to Verseilles to spend there for two weeks to relax and to think about further steps to grow the happiness of His people. Along with him are his ministers.

I will be back in two weeks. Happy holidays to all of you!

[Arjos]

Forgot to post this earlier, but here's an interactive world map (already linked to 1842).

[Greyblades]

Hrm... according to that I still have canada.

[SoFarSoGood]

Also gives us Belgrade...

I assume all have posted their orders in... When can we expect an update?

[King Jan III Sobieski]

Also gives us Belgrade...

I assume all have posted their orders in... When can we expect an update?

Thursday. Sorry for the delay! I am almost done with it!

[SoFarSoGood]

Dun dun DAH!

[SoFarSoGood]

Hrm... according to that I still have canada.

You should have Canada.

[Greyblades]

Should, but my predecessor gave it to the americans.

[King Jan III Sobieski]

It will be up in a few hours!

[King Jan III Sobieski]

OOC: At the ending of every year, conflict or not, if you wish to hand out awards to your generals, please do so! Award ceremonies will happen at the March of each new chapter in the capital of your lands. Also, state if you going to the Vienna Grand Fair and if you sending someone to attend the Danish-Prussian conference.

Chapter 1 :
The beginnings (1/1/1842-12/31/1842)

Main events:

Europe is becoming a very hectic place nowadays. The weather throughout Europe is doing well and crops this year are not failing, so farmers have slightly more food on hand to sell then before.


Mostly the action is now taking place in Central/Eastern Europe with the Ottoman/Balkan question. The Ottoman Empire and Russia has been feuding the past few months over the Ottoman Empire refusal to recognize the Concert's Authority among other things. Talks broke down. There was rumors of a secret deal between Austria and Russia to split up the Turkish Empire. Then the Russians made a alliance with other nations, thus making the Turks even more afraid.

The Turks, while they are almost broke, was narrowly able to raise a army of 75,000 (45,000 regulars and 35,000 conspircts) under the command of Omar Pasha, a former solider of Austria. Many of these soldiers are loyal to the Sultan but some come from the governors of the Turkish controlled lands and some of them only listen to their regimental commanders, thus, may lead to some problems.



A invasion of Moldavia occurred with 30,000 men from Russia under the command of Baryatinsky. They swept down into Moldavia without to many problems, catching the Turks initially off guard, their allies the Austrians, who mobilized 150,000 men at the last moment, of which 2,500 of them are Swiss foreign troops, are called to Hungary. General Warman marches into Serbia with 50,000 men and 125 cannons to occupy land. But there is something strange going on, a lack of commutation perhaps or something!? General Warman marches around Sarajevo and the troops, only 10,000 Turks, let them in. General Warman decamps and stays put with his supplies, awaiting new orders from Vienna. General Dafour, commanding 2,500 Swiss soldiers reach Belgrade before the main Austrian army of 30,000 men does. There is also suprpsing a small 1,000 man force of Russians there, marched there without orders from the Tzar (600 Cossacks and 400 light inf). They wait for them, under the command of the Archduke Charles who is elderly at this point. The messenger never reach the town saying the Austrians were suppose to occupy the town, so the garrison of 5,800 men shuts the gates and opens fire. The Austrians over the days deploy their 100 cannons, of which only 15 are siege worthy, and battle down only 3 breaches in the walls. However, the Austrians attack. ADC watches from afar with Warman's friend the Croat Josiep Banaic leads a bridge forward against breach #1 (I.R 3 Austrian regiment and a hastly formed I.R 82 Croat Grenzer regiment, 5,000 men total) in a mass formation. Another officer leads 2,500 against breach #2 + the 400 light Russian troops while the Cossacks join in looting the city later. and General Dafour leads his 2,500 Swiss troops and 5,000 Austrians against the last breach, the rest of the troops firing into the town from all sides. The Turks get 300 citizens to help join the fight, bringing their numbers to 6,100 men. 3,000 are station at breach #1, 1,000 at Breach #2, 800 at Breach #3 and the rest thoughout the town. The Austrians in Breach #1 suffer heavily but make it to the walls and bayonet fighting begins. Same happens with the other breaches. Finally, General Dafour's men surge into the town. They are the first ones in and they begin to outflank the other breaches. However, they are stop by soliders coming from other parts of the town. 12 hours go by and on April 16th, 1842, the town falls to the Austrians. The Battle of Belgrade is over. The Turkish Commander is killed during the fighting. ADC names himself as military governor until the Kaiser/Metternich has time to speak to the Sultan about this. Overall the Austrians lost 4,000 men KIA,WIA and missing. Awards will be handing out later according to ADC in Vienna. The city was looted by the Cossacks but the Austrian stop them.

The Battle of Belgrade:

Losses:

Austria- 4,000
2,823 KIA
1,000 WIA
177 Missing

(500 from illness dead)

Russians: 283
145 killed
47 wounded
91 missing

The Turks: 6,000 ( 5,500 troops s well as 500 citizens)
3,825 killed
1,250 wounded
925 captured

Result: Austrian/Russian Tactical Victory

The Austrians get the city and start repairing it's defenses again ASAP.


The Russian army marches into Moldavia and suddenly faces at the capital a army of 75,000 Turks. They race back to get reinforcements but it is to late. They are surrounded 5 miles away from the city.

The Battle of Isai May 1st,1842:

The Russian commander realizes he is in deep trouble. He lines up his man, mostly light foot and some grendaries to attack and force a way out. That night they did. With 5,000 men as a rearguard they surge forward against 30,000 Turks station in their rear. They was caught off guard and the Russians was able to far back with the Turks in hot purist. The 5,000 men was unable to extract themselves however and was cut off from the main force. Hearing about Belgrade, Russian troops were confused but the Turks were angry. They killed all 5,000 Russian troops but at high costs. The remaining Russian army of 15,000 men stations themselves at the border. At this point, Russian Armies are starting to form, as per the Tzar's orders and 100,000 Russians rush to that border alone. The Turks decided to start building trenches around Isai and the border with Russia and do so. They are not good trenches, but are armed with mid-size cannons, formidable frontally. Losses were high on both sides.


Battle of Isai June 1st-3rd 1842:

Russians:
7,000 men
6,100 men KIA
781 wounded
119 Missing
Commander was wounded but lives

(1,000 men killed from illness in campaign. )

Turks:

12,500 men
7,553 men killed
3,000 men wounded
1,000 men captured
947 men missing


(3,000 men killed from illness in campaign. )

Result: Tactical Turkish Victory, Strategic inconclusive.










Assault on Balar Hissar:

General William Elphinstone and 30,000 troops are about to leave the Afghan lands. The forces are mostly Indian but there is a good number of native English troops here. The remaining 10,000 British troops join them, bringing the numbers to 40,000. Balar Hissar is the goal of the army before they leave. The fortress is guarded by 5,000 Afghans. The British launch a assault on it on the 2nd of July 1842. However, it is a massive stone fortress and the British only have 50 cannons. They pound away and wait for night. They assault though 2 breaches by fail to realize 10,000 guriella fighters about to flank them. General Elphinstone runs though the 1st breach with hundreds of men behind him. Fierce fighting breaks out and the defenders are getting wiped out until the outside force attacks. The British rearguard of 300 men is destroyed and the British are getting massacred until they start forming squares. Their Bengal lancers come in and chase off the outside force after a bloody fight. On July 3rd 1842 the fortress is the British. General William is killed hours before the battle was over, shot to the head at close range by the Afghan commander, who was killed immentaly afterwards. Losses were high.


British losses;
General Elphinstone KIA
3,000 men KIA
2,300 WIA
400 MIA
700 Sick

Afghan Losses:
8,000 men killed
2,373 wounded
2,500 captured


Result: British Tactical Victory, Slightly Strategic victory for the British





Elsewhere around the world:

Russia:

They was sending 59,000 men to the Baltic Sea to guard the defense. They are also sending 150,000 men to the Black Sea for costal defenses. The field hospital saved a lot of lives so far in the regular campaign. There was still deaths but not to many though from illness.

They are abolishing serfdom, much to the joy of the serfs but the nobles are very angry. Land is now split up and they all have to pay taxes. The serfs are happy they are free, but wonder if it was worth it now with taxes. Some nobles are starting up their own factories though, thus giving people jobs. New railroads are being built putting a ton of people to work and slowly making Russia modernize. France and Russia now have a defensive alliance in place. General Jomini is helping modernize and train a massive 500,000 men and is compiling a report to the Tzar.

Poland now has local autonomy and will be able to elect their own Duke. No Taxes but must provide troops to the Tzar. They are help for this, but want more independence. All the Russian troops leave however but remain position on the border.

Rumors have it that 150,000 men are ready to invade the Ottoman Empire + the 15,000 men left from the 1st attempt at guerrilla warfare (which is still ongoing) and the conventional warfare.

The nation still need to be modernize more however.



Austria and England:

Both these nations decide to make a railroad company together. One company will be called Okeanus Rail company and the other London Vienna Railroad. The Austrians will own at least 25% of it. Work is beginning on this in both nations. Austria is also building railroads all over the Empire and will cost millions for them. They put down enough to get the project started. Vienna to Budapest line should be done first.

The British auction off some battleships according to the newspapers. According to it a Turkish looking man built a number of it. Rumors has it the ships may have contain other weapons as well.

10 frigates are being built for the British navy. 15 SOL's are in the Med to protect British interest there with the conflict going on.

The Afghan-Anglo War has ended with a Pro-British ruler installed. The forces remaining are sent back to India. The Opium war has ended as well. The Danes will be able to stay along with the British who are seeking 20 million in damages from them and will probably get it in 2 years time.

Children under 10 years old will be prohibited from working in any form of manual labour. The state will start construction of several schools in each city which will be funded by the state, the Anglican church will be encouraged to provide educational services of their own. These are just some of the social reforms the British are doing.

The Austrians are upgrading their Italian forts, much to the chagrin of the Italians. Revolts are starting to occur and slightly worry the younger commanders, but not Radtzesky though.

There will be a Grand Fair in Vienna in 1843 and all nations are invited. Open invitation sent published 1842 and replies must be in December 1st 1842. Fair to take place June 1st - 30th 1843. Applicants must state which category they wish to compete in and how much space/open land they may require. A general description of their display and it's purpose will be well received.


Four Categories: Art and Culture (Music hosted in the Musikverein)

Military machines, new cannons, muskets, rifles and balloons (demonstrations in the Schonbrunn Tiergarten)

Industrial Machines, steam engines and factory innovations.

Trade fair: Any company wishing to sell it's good. Food, wine, gas lighting, medicines, books etc etc

The Austrians are trying to improve the training of their military and are offering German to all regiments. They are putting money into new cannons and rifles as well.


France:

The General Staff is coming up with different plans in case of them having to intervene or invasion.

70,000 troops were laid off. Most of them got job in the new railroads that are being built from Paris to Touloun and so on. Even in the new food factories that are being built.

Army engineers are building stuff for the French army. Goals are to develop breech loading needle guns for infantry and cavalry as well as breech loaded rifled cannons for the artillery and to prepare industrial production.

Unused farm lands are going to the poor.
Food is low but not that low. The factories should really help increase food presuming there is no famines or wars with France.
Lyon is getting massive fortresses built here and the palaces are being guarded by elite troops.

Prussia:

They are introducing the draft again for all able body males. Capitalists and investors throughout Prussia to invest more money into the development of railroads and factories to be established all across Prussia. Any companies that are established or created for these two purposes with receive government stipends of 40,000 talers a year for a maximum of 5 years time. With a limit of up to 100 businesses. These are some of the economic things Prussia is doing.

Spain is OK for now, riots are happening, but not now! Denmark and Prussia will meet in 1843 to discuss the problem with their lands.

[Arjos]

OoC: thank you for the chapter! ^^

[SoFarSoGood]

Superb! The Kaiser announces that Te Deums will be sung in all Churches of the Empire to thank the Lord for the glorious Austrian and Russian victories.

[Arjos]

OoC: also quick question, says I lost 8,283 men, but later says there are only 15,000 soldiers left. Shouldn't it be 21,717? Or like the 5,000 mentioned aren't counted in the battle stats?

[King Jan III Sobieski]

OoC: also quick question, says I lost 8,283 men, but later says there are only 15,000 soldiers left. Shouldn't it be 21,717? Or like the 5,000 mentioned aren't counted in the battle stats?

Yes, my mistake!