Concert of Europe

[Franconicus]

Bulletin from the French War Ministry

The Ministry of War promulgates news regarding the war against the Ottoman Empire. After several provocations from the Sultan and the request for help from Austria France decided to declare war against the Ottoman Empire to punish the Ottoman haughtiness and to support the operations of the concert of Europe.

Without declaration of war Egypt gathered her forces at Alexandria and prepared the invasion of Greece. Her first target was the island of Cyprus, which was lost because the Greek troops were taken by surprise.
The Royal General Staff decided to react quick and strong to abandon the threat for the coalition. In a complex combined operation under the command of Admiral Bruat units of the Royal Navy and the Royal Army re-conquered Cyprus. An Egyptian/Ottoman armada was defeated and the French troops landed at the coasts of Levant. They quickly seized Beirut, Damascus and Jerusalem. Then our brave troops performed fast pushes to Syria and Egypt, where more than 300,000 Ottoman and Egyptian soldiers were killed. After these successful operations our troops retreated to secure the Levant. During the Egyptian campaign a huge amount of English weapons was seized.
All military goals were reached successfully and Egypt is no longer a threat for the coalition. France is especially proud to announce that Jerusalem is under her control. It will become a place where everybody can practice his religion. France also brought freedom and civilization to the Arabian countries and France will not end his efforts until every Arabian is freed.

The Ministry also announces that the Royal Navy successfully operated against slavery and piracy in the Indian Ocean.


Order to the French troops at the Levant and Egypt

The peoples we will be living alongside are Muslims; their first article of faith is "There is no other god but God, and Mahomet is his prophet". Do not contradict them; treat them as you treated the Jews, the Italians; respect their muftis and their imams, as you respected their rabbis and bishops. Have the same tolerance for the ceremonies prescribed by the Quran, for their mosques, as you had for the convents, for the synagogues, for the religion of Moses and that of Jesus Christ. The Roman legions used to protect all religions. You will here find different customs to those of Europe, you must get accustomed to them. The people among whom we are going treat women differently to us; but in every country whoever violates one is a monster. Pillaging only enriches a small number of men; it dishonors us, it destroys our resources; it makes enemies of the people who it is in our interest to have as our friends.

Message sent to the people of Egypt and Arabia:

For too long the beys who govern Egypt and Arabia have insulted the French nation and covered their traders in slanders. The hour of their punishment has come. For too long this horde of slaves, bought from Turkey and Albanian, have tyrannised the most beautiful part of the world; but God, on whom all depends, has ordained that their empire shall end. People of Egypt and Arabia, they have told you that we come to destroy your religion, but do not believe it; tell them in reply that we come to restore your rights, punish the usurpers and that we respect God, his prophet and the Quran more than the Ottomans or the Albanians. Tell them that all men are equal before God; wisdom, talents, virtues are the only things to make one man different from another. Is there a more beautiful land? It belongs to the Ottomans. If Egypt is their farm, then they should show the lease that God gave them for it... Cadis, cheiks, imans, tchorbadjis, we ask you to tell your people to stand up and shake off the yoke of the Ottomans. Join us to end this slavery and to become free people. Thrice happy are those who will be with us! They shall prosper in their fortune and in their rank. Happy are those who will be neutral! They will get to know us over time, and join their ranks with ours. But unhappy, thrice unhappy, are those who shall arm themselves to fight for the Turks and who shall fight against us! There shall be no hope for them, they shall perish.

Proclamation of Jerusalem:

From today every Egyptian and every Arab who lives in the freed part of the former Ottoman Empire shall be free. Every man will have the right to decide his own fate. Everybody shall be free to practice his own religion. Slavery shall be abandoned from now on.

[Franconicus]

Question to the other members of the Concert:

Dear colleagues, I am sorry to bother you, but there is a detail in the resolution against the Ottoman Empire that is not completely clear. In the document we see that the parts of the European mainland and of the coast of Asia Minor shall become Greek. Now we wonder what is the matter with the islands in between?

[Arjos]

It is an Austrian and Russian desire to see Krete, Kypros, Rhodos and the rest of the Aegean Islands, to be part of the Greek Kingdom of Basileus Othon.
Whether His Majesty, wishes to let other powers set bases to help the greek monarchy, it is His own decision as Basileus Othon is free to rule in His Kingdom.

State Chancellor,
Aleksandr Gorchakov

[Greyblades]

Agreed.

Robert Peel.
Prime Minister.

[Franconicus]

I understand! Thank you very much!

Regarding the current status of Cyprus: After French troops drove away the Egyptian invadors, the island is now given back to Greek. However, there is a treaty that the French have a base on the southern coast of Cyprus. This agreement is valid for 99 years.

What about the former English occupied islands in the Ionic Sea?

[Greyblades]

If Greece wishes to have them they may, in exchange for retaining one of the naval bases.

[Arjos]

What about the former English occupied islands in the Ionic Sea?

As a friendly and cooperative gesture, in St. Petersburg's opinion, they should be ceded to the Greek Kingdom.
Under whatever agreement the british and greek monarchies would reach.

[Franconicus]

Yes, if they were part of the desicion of the concert, then England has to give them to Greek, esp. as Greek and the other allies may use them as bases against the Ottoman Empire!

[Greyblades]

Yes, if they were part of the desicion of the concert, then England has to give them to Greek, esp. as Greek and the other allies may use them as bases against the Ottoman Empire!

There is no has. And we're still waiting on you to win your war.

[Franconicus]

The concert decided which areas shall belong to Greece. The decision is binding for all of us. Four of the five nations are fighting to execute the resolution, one is only acting for his own interests and for the interests of the Ottomans.
You agreed to the resolution and if the Ionic islands were part of the deal, they belong to Greece. Now you demand bases on the islands - after you have been supported the Ottomans all the time and done nothing for Greece. A very interesting argumentation.

I have a base on one of the Greek island, but I received it after I had liberated it and given to the King of Greek. I even conquered it a second time (= French victory over heathens with English weapons), not for myself, but for Greece.

[Greyblades]

I really dont care what you have to say, if it wasnt for me greece wouldnt have gotten anything, that should be enough for one base and if not the resolution will between Britain and Greece.

[Arjos]

if it wasnt for me greece wouldnt have gotten anything

What do they have, right now, from Britain and what weren't they getting?

[Greyblades]

What do they have, right now, from Britain and what weren't they getting?

Last I checked, the plan you were running before I objected was to split the ottoman lands in europe between austria and russia, nothing going to the greeks. Indeed, the proposal to give greece land was to appease me, without me you would have gone along as planned and taken the entire balkans.

[Arjos]

That was never proposed...
Since the very first russian proposition, Greece was going to take the land south of the Rhodopes.
The only changes were to the Straits and Anatolia...

[Greyblades]

That was never proposed...

Oh realy?

Sires,
there are two affairs threatening the peace of Europe - the Balkans and Schleswig-Holstein. We, the concert of five, should try to find a peaceful and lasting solution.

To the Balkans: It is obvious, that the Turk will not be able to control the Balkans any longer. New nationalistic states are evil, so I do see only one solution. I suggest that Austria and Russia get the mandate to share the control over the Balkans for five years. Russia should get all Slavic and Orthodox provinces. Austria should take the rest. Both have to guarantee order in their districts.
Asia Minor is another source of instability. We think that We have to stop the fighting there. The Turkish control has to be reinstalled with the support of the concert. Any egoistic ambitions have to be rejected. The straits have to remain under the control of the Turks, but free for all.

Regarding S-H, all hostilities have to be avoided.

Good luck
Chateaubriand

While His Imperial Majesty, Czar Nikolai, agrees to the partition of the Balkans, he disagrees regarding further turkish presence in Europe.
The Czar wishes to establish a network of christian Free Cities at the straits, under the protection of the Concert, allowing free passage to and from the Black Sea, for all christian nations.

We cannot allow the Turks any foothold, as long as they don't recognize the authority of this Concert in european affairs.

Czar Nikolai

These PM's were sent to me, you, ichigo and sofarsogood, this isnt a mafia game so I could screen cap it if you wish, and seeing as the host recieved it as well I think he would be pleased to provide a copy to the players replacing those no longer playing.

[Arjos]

The Balkans are the mountanious region between the Adriatic and the Black Sea.
The peninsula is that of Haemus.

We do not know the meaning of 21st century geography...

[Greyblades]

Oh? So you were going to leave the greek lands in the ottomans hands? I'm sure king Othan would be delighted to know that.

[Arjos]

No, since the declaration of War, Othon had been informed, that once the Balkans were secured the Czar would help in the liberation of the Greeks...

His Imperial Majesty, Czar Nikolai, wishes to inform Basileus Othon, that He holds at heart a free greek nation. So Russia looks forward any future co-operation to fight the Turks and unite the Greeks!

Czar Nikolai

OoC: that was my very next post from the declaration XD

[Greyblades]

Of corse he was. I think I'm done here, the decision is between Britain and king Othon. Baiting a bear can only amuse so long.

[SwordsMaster]

Oh, but it can be amusing to make a bear dance.

[SoFarSoGood]

Good to see 'allies' arguing.

The peoples we will be living alongside are Muslims; their first article of faith is "There is no other god but God, and Mahomet is his prophet". Do not contradict them; treat them as you treated the Jews, the Italians; respect their muftis and their imams, as you respected their rabbis and bishops. Have the same tolerance for the ceremonies prescribed by the Quran, for their mosques, as you had for the convents, for the synagogues, for the religion of Moses and that of Jesus Christ. The Roman legions used to protect all religions. You will here find different customs to those of Europe, you must get accustomed to them. The people among whom we are going treat women differently to us; but in every country whoever violates one is a monster. Pillaging only enriches a small number of men; it dishonors us, it destroys our resources; it makes enemies of the people who it is in our interest to have as our friends.

Heard that before... where was it? Ahh yes! Bonaparte http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_...gypt_and_Syria

Anyway should have Part 2 'Public' and 'Private' up by tomorrow sometime.

[Greyblades]

Good to see 'allies' arguing.

We're allies?

[Franconicus]

He is not talking about you!

[Greyblades]

He is not talking about you!

Oh good, panic over. For a second I thought we had some sort of alliance left over from the napoleonic wars still in effect. At least thats one thing I havent had blow up in my face.

[SoFarSoGood]

Ok sorry I am a bit late (minor domestic panic) but here goes:


Chapter 3 Part 2: Main Social and Economic Events (Jan 1st 1844 to Jan 1st 1845)

If you're wondering why the 'public' parts both start with Russia then France etc... it's nothing sinister; I just got Russian orders first, French sencond etc so they are the top of my 'notes' page.

Background of Social and Economic Events

Europe, Russia in particular, is seeing the first outbreaks of the third cholera pademic (third pandemic erupted in 1839, persisted until 1856). It is not yet severe in Europe but is endemic in the some regions of India. Over the course of the century "an estimated tens of millions of people" will die from pandemics. Like the 'Black Death' pandemic (peaking between 1348-50) those who survive are able to demand higher wages and better conditions. Although the social effects are not immeadiately seen with the lower classes more empowered 'movements' start if their demands are not adequately dealt with in time (the Peasent's Revolt in England occured in 1381). Of course with higher wages having to be paid to the survivors there is a general inflation and this is reflected in a gradual rise in the cost of 'great projects', whether they be railways or research. This is some idea of the 'general background' I have based your orders on.

Specific Influencing Circumstances

The Papal announcement in 1843 had a general calming effect on the revolts and the French 'right to strike' and Austrian 'parliament' announcements were sufficient to calm the more moderate voices of discontent and the hardliners have retreated to 'secret societies' where factions squabble. Peace reigns...for now. The news of the victories in the Balkans, Levant and Sind also serve to cause a rise in national pride and those demanding more pay etc are rebuked for causing discontent when 'sons and fathers are fighting for the country'. Of course war also serves as an economic stimulus and this together with large investment programmes in most countries create a general European economic 'boom' with growth rates in some countries in double figures.


Russia


Legal Reforms

At the request of the Czar Russian lawyers come together and start a Grand Composium to try to simplify the court system. The aim is to "Set down an impartial rule by law code".

Religious Hospitals

After the Czar called for the clergy to help the injured in the ongoing war a group of dedicated Nuns calling themselves "The Sisters of St.John" have decided to create a national network of hospitals to train their novices. The first Hospital was started in Iasi but by the end of the year more are springing up.

Jomini's Report

After two years inspecting every part of the Russian military Jomini submits his confidential report the Czar.

Economics

While it is upto the Czar if he wishes to release details of income etc the general cost of Russian borrowing is falling due to the speedy clearing up of the Polish revolt and the victories in the Balkans and Eastern Anatolia. A second Russian railway has started construction to run Moscow - Smolensk. In general Russia is seen as a 'clever' investment.


France


Modernisation of Paris

The French Govenment has embarked on a revolutionary new scheme to manage 'waste water' in Paris. This has incovenienced some Parisiennes and stage 1 of this project is expected is finished.

French Railways

Thanks to Government funding the first French railway is fully open by November 1844 and runs from Paris to Toulon. With this funding the Paris - Lille and Paris - Tours lines are expected to be open by 1848 and extensions are planned.

French Strike

While the French workers in the south are no longer 'revolutionary' as such their ports have been closed and shipping taken and a large part of the south has declared itself 'on strike'. Some civil disturbances have been reported and when the Foreign Legion has attempted to restore order barricades have been built. The leaders of the strike demand land redistribution, a Parliament and compensation for the losses of trade due to closed ports and some 'impressed' shipping. They are not anti King but anti his advisers who they think are making money at their expense.

Economics

It has been an unstable year for France in general. New taxes have decreased French exports (as they are now more expensive) and taxes on trade from non French colonies have cut imports (as they are now also more expensive). France is relying on it's domestic market to take up the slack but with shipping nearly extinct in the French Mediterranean and ports closed and the strike it has been unable to do so. The interest on debts has risen sharply since the news of the retreat from Homs was heard. In general France is regarded as a 'risky' investment.



Austria (hoping KM will return - 60% of the below I have taken from his plans)


Railways

The Vienna - Budapest line is expected to open in February 1845. The Vienna - Prague and Vienna - Venice line are still under construction and extensions are planned on all lines. A new Vienna - Munich line has started construction.


Elections and Royal Tour

The Kaiser has announced the first Imperial Parliament is summoned to meet and advise his Majesty in July 1845 and elections have been held in October (after the subdual of the Hungarian revolt which occured in September 1844). The Kaiser has visited Budapest himself and prayed at the grave of the 'Noble and Most Christian' General Field Marshall (posthumious) Benedek. The Kaiser also visited Belgrade and Sarajevo.

Increased Industry

Large new factories are appearing around Prague and Vienna and the general 'rumour' is that the Empire has secured lucrative contracts to supply armaments abroad.


Economics

In general nowhere has seen more benefit from the 'boom' in economic activity than Austria and Bavaria with growth at an estimated 12%, where an 'Imperial Free Trade Area' has been created. Apllications to join this area are being discussed. The first taxes have also come in from the Balkans and confidence is high. Some debt has been payed off which has increased investor confidence and the peaceful resolution of the Hungarian revolt have added to this. The return of order to Budapest has also eased supply problems. The Empire is considered a 'safe/excellent' investment.



Prussia


Industrial Development

The previous investment programme of 50,000 per year for 5 years (Chapter 1 I think) is ended and instead a 10% reduction in tax for those companies that took up the origional replaces it. This is regarded as an improvement on the previous system.


Immigration Policy Announced

All foreign nationals can be Prussian IF they learn German! A committee has set out qualification rules that limit the universal acceptance of all... criminals etc are not welcome nor bankrupts. German language schools are doing well catering for migrant workers.


Railways

Berlin - Danzig - Konigsburg railway is speeding ahead of schedule and expected complete early 1846. Other railways are also planned and surveyed for Berlin - Warsawa and Berlin - Hamburg - Kiel - Paris. These lines need investment as they go but are expected to start next year.


Economics

Prussia has 'simplified' it's tax system and introduced a 'revolutionary' new two tiered tax system. They have also introduced 'efficiency savings' in administration, made easier by the new rax system. As a result investment is booming and all new immigrants quickly find work; there is a sign on Prussia saying "workers wanted". While the new tax system is understood to be 'experimental' Prussia is regarded as an 'exciting investment potential'.



England


British Gentlemens Clubs

This year saw some British 'Gentlemen' rediscover their interest in the Continent. The first Club to be founded was the British Alpine Climbing Club and this is followed by the Anglo Hellenic Society, the British Renaissance Club who are Romanophiles and the Mediterranean Archieology Society. The 'Grand Tour' is not yet normal for upper class English Gentlemen but the first explorers are setting off.


New British Colonists

In Sind the British obviously move in but the start of a new colony is observed on the west coast of Africa, north of Cape Colony and south of the Congo River.


Railways

Calcutta to Bombay railway starts this year and first parts of the Scottish and Welsh lines are finished.


Economics

Investment continues boom in England, a growing smuggling trade across the Channel/La Manche is one problem but not threatening. England is regarded a 'safe as houses' investment.



Piedmont Sardinia


Influx of Refugees

The remaining rebels in the North of Italy, having been defeated by the Austrian General Radetzky in a skirish outside Milan (Part 1) flee to Piedmont where they are made welcome.


Railways

Turin to Genoa finished.


Social

Alot of Italians are also heading to Piedmont Sardinia to volunteer for service in the Levant campaign with Prince Ferdinand. Most of these are wealthy individuals so the economy receives a small boost from this and the Genoese boat yards are busy making new ships.

Economics

Trade with Austria is up and Piedmont Sardinia is benefiting from the Central European 'boom'. The wealthy volunteers and new railroad have helped this. Piedmont Sardinia is seen as 'safe' investment.

[SoFarSoGood]

If you don't have 'details' please say! Just the 5pms...

[Arjos]

To the citizens of the Free, Independent, and Strictly Neutral City of Kraków,

As your name and status clearly state, desist from harbouring and supporting any revolting movement.
Otherwise the Rossiyskaya Imperiya will consider this a clear violation of the Congress of Vienna and dispatch forces to annex the city, to the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria, under Imperial Austrian Law.

Czar Nikolai Pavlovich Romanov

[SoFarSoGood]

So London Conference I believe?

King Christian VIII of Denmark rises:

"Gentlemen I thank you for allowing me to address this most August and Learned Audience. Let me start by stressing that I myself have absolutely no claim on Schleswig... neither does my son Frederick. While Karl, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg is indeed a distant relative of our family his lands are not a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. I have not and do not claim his titles. We are forced therefore to consider these 'disturbances' as either the work of revolutionaries or more sinister designs on behalf some power who may wish ill to our Kingdom. Revolution we shall not allow but should this be an attempt to provoke war with Denmark let me warn you clearly: Denmark is not Schleswig, nor is Schleswig or Denmark Prussia. I have here (and he does) a signed agreement between ourselves and Sweden saying clearly that any attack on Denmark will constitute an act of war against both Denmark and Sweden. We hope the powers will realise OUR innocence in this affair."

He sits and glowers at the Prussian representative.

[SwordsMaster]

OOC: Prussia never showed at this conference - it was not in my orders that anyone would be attending... Partially because I didn't realise it was happening this turn.

[Greyblades]

"IF the honorable gentlemen would wait for one second..."
*The british representative leaves the conference for 20 minutes and returns with the prussian ambassador dragged kicking and screaming from the prussian embassy in london.*
"If you would be so kind as to repeat your speech to the new prussian representative."