1850 : Alternative Divergence [AH][OOC][CLOSED]

[Suekiva]

Also, shouldn't Scandinavia have Ingria?

He never asked... and... Princess Kenny still hasn't given me exact details on Russia, so I am holding up on giving MEGA-Sweden even more land.

Ingria was historically lost in the Great Northern War, which Sweden won in this timeline...

[Castillae]

Reserve Northern Iberian Peninsula!

[Benuty]

Is it just me or is there a blank white spot in the center of what would normally be considered China?

[Elerian]

Is it just me or is there a blank white spot in the center of what would normally be considered China?

Beneath Nanjing?

[Castillae]

Full Nation Name : El Reino de Castilla (The Kingdom of Castile)
Majority/Official Culture : Castilian/Spanish
Territorial Core : Northern Iberian Peninsula
Territorial Claim : Al-Andaluz
Capital City : Leon
Population : 2,558,463

Government Type : Monarchy
Government Ideology/Policies : Imperialist and Expansionists.
Government Focus :
Head of State : King Jose XI of Aragon and Castile
Head of Government : King Jose XI of Aragon and Castile
Government Description :

Majority/State Religion : Protestant

Economic Ideologies : [[Capitalism, Mercantilism, Socialism, Communism, etc.]] Socialism
Major Production : Dairy and Food products.
Economic Description : Our economy is the best in the region, mostly driven by our food products and trading with other nations (not al-andaluz) but we had a down fall in 1609 that really suffered the region and most of our citizens died because of starvation. Since then our economy has been on an uprise. We do trade weapons and ships.

Army Strength : Our weapons are much more advanced than Al-Andaluz's weapons.
Army Weakness : They are too distracted.
Naval Strength : Our ships are heavily equipped with weaponry.
Naval Weakness : The crew men are lazy.

National Goals : To get rid of Al-Andaluz once and for all.
National Issues : [[what needs to be fixed in order for your nation to achieve its true potential]]
National Figures of Interest : God

History : According to the chronicles of Alfonso III of Asturias; the first reference to the name "Castile" (Castilla) can be found in a document written during AD 800. In Al-Andalus chronicles from the Cordoban Caliphate, the oldest sources refer to it as Al-Qila, or "the castled" high plains past the territory of Alava, more south to it and the first encountered in their expeditions from Zaragoza. The name reflects its origin as a march on the eastern frontier of the Kingdom of Asturias, protected by castles, towers or castra.
The County of Castile, bordered in the south by the Montes de Toledo, was re-populated by inhabitants of Cantabria, Asturias, Vasconia and Visigothic and Mozarab origins. It had its own Romance dialect and customary laws.
From the first half of the 9th century until the middle of the century, in which it came to be paid more closer attention to, its administration and defense by the monarchs of Leon - due the increased incursions from the Emirate of Córdoba - its first repopulation settlements were led by small abbots and local counts from the other side of the Cantabrian ridge neighbor valleys, Trasmiera and Primorias and smaller ones, being its first settlers from the contiguous maritime valleys of Mena and Encartaciones in nearby Biscay, some of whom had abandoned those exposed areas of the Meseta a few decades earlier, and taken refuge by the much dense and intractable woods of the Atlantic valleys, so they were not that foreign to them.
A mix of settlers from the recently swelled with refugees Cantabrian and Basque coastal areas, were led under the protection of Abbot Vitulus and his brother, count Herwig, as registered in the local charters they signed around the first years of the 800's. The areas that they settled didn't extend far from the Cantabrian southeastern ridges, and not beyond the southern reaches of the high Ebro river valleys and canyon gores.
The first Count of a wider and more united Castile was Rodrigo in 850, under Ordoño I of Asturias and Alfonso III of Asturias, who settled and fortified the ancient Cantabrian hill town of Amaya, much farther west and south of the Ebro river to offer a more easy defense and command of the still functional Roman Empire main highway passing by, south of the Cantabrian ridge all the way to Leon, from the Muslim military expeditions. Subsequently, the region was subdivided, separate counts being named to Alava, Burgos, Cerezo & Lantarón, and a reduced Castile. In 931 the County was reunified by Count Fernán González, who rose in rebellion against the Kingdom of León, successor state to Asturias, and achieved an autonomous status, allowing the county to be inherited by his family instead of being subject to appointment by the Leonese king.

Comparison Points – Political : [[How much national focus is gone into administrating the government, i.e. espionage, royal marriages, counter-intelligence, etc.]] 3
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : [[How much national focus is gone into religious and or cultural aspects, i.e. asking for excommunication, call for crusade, soviet revolution in other nations, etc.]] 2
Comparison Points – Economy : [[How much national focus is gone into economic matters, i.e. embargo/blockade efficiency, lasting through war of attrition, simply feeding your people better, etc.]] 2
Comparison Points – Military : [[How much national focus is gone into military, i.e. discipline, morale, better tacticians/generals, etc.]] 3
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : 10/10

[Oscalantine]

Is it just me or is there a blank white spot in the center of what would normally be considered China?

That's intentional ^^

I realized that Nanjing, apparent capital of Golden Khanate, is so fudging big that I thought I should color the entire province white instead of putting a dot on it XDDD

[Elerian]

Yes~!! Although... wasn't your claim already in the map?

Sorry to be a pain, but in the new map you didn't add my other claims. I wrote that I owned a bit of Eastern Cape of Good Hope, Socotra, Zanzibar, and the Maldives. They're pretty small dots on the map so I dunno if that was on purpose, but I thought I'd ask.

[Oscalantine]

Full Nation Name : El Reino de Castilla (The Kingdom of Castile)
Majority/Official Culture : Castilian/Spanish
Territorial Core : Northern Iberian Peninsula
Territorial Claim : Al-Andaluz
Capital City : Leon
Population : 2,558,463

Government Type : Monarchy
Government Ideology/Policies : Imperialist and Expansionists.
Government Focus :
Head of State : King Jose XI of Aragon and Castile
Head of Government : King Jose XI of Aragon and Castile
Government Description :

Majority/State Religion : Protestant

Economic Ideologies : [[Capitalism, Mercantilism, Socialism, Communism, etc.]] Socialism
Major Production : Dairy and Food products.
Economic Description : Our economy is the best in the region, mostly driven by our food products and trading with other nations (not al-andaluz) but we had a down fall in 1609 that really suffered the region and most of our citizens died because of starvation. Since then our economy has been on an uprise. We do trade weapons and ships.

Army Strength : Our weapons are much more advanced than Al-Andaluz's weapons.
Army Weakness : They are too distracted.
Naval Strength : Our ships are heavily equipped with weaponry.
Naval Weakness : The crew men are lazy.

National Goals : To get rid of Al-Andaluz once and for all.
National Issues : [[what needs to be fixed in order for your nation to achieve its true potential]]
National Figures of Interest : God

History : According to the chronicles of Alfonso III of Asturias; the first reference to the name "Castile" (Castilla) can be found in a document written during AD 800. In Al-Andalus chronicles from the Cordoban Caliphate, the oldest sources refer to it as Al-Qila, or "the castled" high plains past the territory of Alava, more south to it and the first encountered in their expeditions from Zaragoza. The name reflects its origin as a march on the eastern frontier of the Kingdom of Asturias, protected by castles, towers or castra.
The County of Castile, bordered in the south by the Montes de Toledo, was re-populated by inhabitants of Cantabria, Asturias, Vasconia and Visigothic and Mozarab origins. It had its own Romance dialect and customary laws.
From the first half of the 9th century until the middle of the century, in which it came to be paid more closer attention to, its administration and defense by the monarchs of Leon - due the increased incursions from the Emirate of Córdoba - its first repopulation settlements were led by small abbots and local counts from the other side of the Cantabrian ridge neighbor valleys, Trasmiera and Primorias and smaller ones, being its first settlers from the contiguous maritime valleys of Mena and Encartaciones in nearby Biscay, some of whom had abandoned those exposed areas of the Meseta a few decades earlier, and taken refuge by the much dense and intractable woods of the Atlantic valleys, so they were not that foreign to them.
A mix of settlers from the recently swelled with refugees Cantabrian and Basque coastal areas, were led under the protection of Abbot Vitulus and his brother, count Herwig, as registered in the local charters they signed around the first years of the 800's. The areas that they settled didn't extend far from the Cantabrian southeastern ridges, and not beyond the southern reaches of the high Ebro river valleys and canyon gores.
The first Count of a wider and more united Castile was Rodrigo in 850, under Ordoño I of Asturias and Alfonso III of Asturias, who settled and fortified the ancient Cantabrian hill town of Amaya, much farther west and south of the Ebro river to offer a more easy defense and command of the still functional Roman Empire main highway passing by, south of the Cantabrian ridge all the way to Leon, from the Muslim military expeditions. Subsequently, the region was subdivided, separate counts being named to Alava, Burgos, Cerezo & Lantarón, and a reduced Castile. In 931 the County was reunified by Count Fernán González, who rose in rebellion against the Kingdom of León, successor state to Asturias, and achieved an autonomous status, allowing the county to be inherited by his family instead of being subject to appointment by the Leonese king.

Comparison Points – Political : [[How much national focus is gone into administrating the government, i.e. espionage, royal marriages, counter-intelligence, etc.]] 3
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : [[How much national focus is gone into religious and or cultural aspects, i.e. asking for excommunication, call for crusade, soviet revolution in other nations, etc.]] 2
Comparison Points – Economy : [[How much national focus is gone into economic matters, i.e. embargo/blockade efficiency, lasting through war of attrition, simply feeding your people better, etc.]] 2
Comparison Points – Military : [[How much national focus is gone into military, i.e. discipline, morale, better tacticians/generals, etc.]] 3
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : 10/10

Using superlatives... lazy army and navy section... yeah, I can see that it is WiP, dude. Keep it up!

[Oscalantine]

Sorry to be a pain, but in the new map you didn't add my other claims. I wrote that I owned a bit of Eastern Cape of Good Hope, Socotra, Zanzibar, and the Maldives. They're pretty small dots on the map so I dunno if that was on purpose, but I thought I'd ask.

That... would be someting that I have forgotten.

BUT... Cape of Good Hope is already taken by another nation. Namely the Bantuu people who took independence from the Dutch. I'll add other claims as soon as I get around to map again ^^

[Mandicoria]

Will post the introduction for Scandinavia soon.

[Oscalantine]

Will post the introduction for Scandinavia soon.

Yes, please do so!

Maybe I should TG accepted folks that they can and SHOULD start posting. I'll catch up as SOON as my app is finished~!!

[Benuty]

Full Nation Name : The American Commonwealth
Flag (Image)
Motto: "Nunquam libertas gratior extat"
"Never does liberty appear in a more gracious form"
Majority/Official Culture : Anglo-American
Territorial Core :
http://i.imgur.com/QxsvU1h.png (The portion which occupies the Eastern part of what would be the U.S obviously).
Territorial Claim : None at the moment
Capital City : Philadelphia, Commonwealth Province
Population : 17.35 million

Government Type : Parliamentarian Republicanism
Government Ideology/Policies : To maintain the preservation, and the interests of the Commonwealth
Government Focus : To preserve their independence while expanding relations with fellow nations in the Americas, and also restoring relations with the Homeland. A greater goal of working towards the end of international slavery is present as well. Also potentially fund independence movements within colonies that are being exploited.
Head of State : Governor-General Lewis Cass
Head of Government : Lord Protector Martin Van Buren
Government Description : The government is based off the Parliamentarian system of Westminister, but in a modified form since the Commonwealth focuses on a separation of powers principle. The executive is often a ceremonial position due to the government being an infusion of the real life Articles of Confederation, New Jersey Plan, and the ideals of the Enlightenment during revolutionary France. The Commonwealth is somewhat a confederation due to the diversity of functions each province deals with especially in how their own governments are formatted. While the legislature is the most powerful branch of the government it is kept in line by the parties, and the voters.

Majority/State Religion : Secularism discourages an official government religion.
Economic Ideologies : Encouragingly capitalistic with tones of moderate government intervention, and control.
Major Production : Agricultural products typically come from the Southern Provinces which have thankfully diversified from the Cotton monopoly. New England is famous for its mercantile trade navies, fisheries, and lumber mills. Meanwhile Industrialization has spread across the provinces of the Ohio river valley, and throughout the Northern Provinces. Mining is turning out to be dominant in the province of Sylvania (Western Virginia) along with Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Franklin (eastern Tennessee).
Economic Description : An economic powerhouse in certain areas yet while railroads have increasingly interconnected the country certain areas are either undeveloped for reasons unknown or intentionally.

Army Strength : The Army for the protection of the Commonwealth has its roots dating back all the way to Oliver Cromwell since they were formed out of the remnants of Cromwell's private army. A disciplined force of 30,000 is divided into armies of 5,000 stationed across the various dominions (region grouping of provinces). There also 50,000 registered militia members across the various parts of the Commonwealth.
Army Weakness : The officer corp is divided between the older more conservative bureaucracy, and the younger more politically active youth. There is also conflict due to wealthy members of society being able to purchase ranks (which was a real thing in Britain), and those who entered in through more traditional ways. The Commonwealth militia can be summoned by Parliament, but the provinces can refuse to let them assemble or direct where they can actually go
Naval Strength : While the armies may have suffered defeat in the civil war the navy had a different story. Unfortunately with the war lost many of the ships were used in the mass exodus which took tens of thousands to the American colonies over a series of months. Part of this fleet would go on to form the Merchant Navy while the other formed the Naval Forces of the Commonwealth. The naval fleet size is officially around 70 ships of various categories in total.

Naval Weakness : While not as problematic the officer corp is still regimented in their traditions, and mannerisms. Certain ships crews will sometimes impress (force) locals of the ports they visits as workers for the ship. There are times where crews will go rogue, and turn to pirating or helping the slavers in Africa.
Further Military Description : Unlike certain areas of civil society the military has been able to integrate the Native, and African units with that of the majority populace despite the domineering conservative way of thinking. There is also some debate on the issue of working with non government militias since those type of organizations aren't held to strict standards like the ones owned by the provinces.

National Goals : To create a transcontinental railway that will connect the East, and the West. Also spreading that rail system throughout the entirety of the Americas as a sign of cooperation with their neighbors. To ensure the death of slavery within the Americas by underground movements, and the spread of abolitionism while also inspiring those oppressed by restrictive government or denied the right to suffrage.

National Issues :
1) Addressing the spread of Marxist, and Socialist ideology, and literature throughout the Commonwealth by ensuring the country isn't threatened from instability.
2) Working to solve the problem of contracted servitude within the Southern provinces since the freedman are slaves in all, but name. There is a movement to guarantee greater rights not just for them, but other minorities as well, and solve the issue of voting rights.
3) Keep the peace in the Native Territorial Province to prevent conflicts between the Native tribal civilizations, and the settlers coming in through illegal means to exploit the land.
4) Focus on the building of a Transcontinental Railroad to unite North America, and then expand it southward.

National Figures of Interest : Karl Marx, and Friedrich Engels have come to the Commonwealth, and have begun spreading their ideology amongst the literate freedman, and those who view the system of contracted servitude as slavery in all, but name. Debate clubs, and literature societies along with newspapers have spread across the Commonwealth, and society is entering a new era as the Springtime of Nations dies. I will reveal others as the plot progresses within the role play.

National Ambition/Aspirations : Spread the ideals of the Commonwealth not by conquest, but rather through exchange of ideals. Also ensure the security of their neighbors, and those civilizations often regarded as primitive.

History :
1) War against the tyranny of Charles I (1642-1646)
Guards loyal To King Charles the 1st attempted to seize members of parliament while they were in session fortunately militias loyal to parliament managed to push the guards back allowing the Parliamentarians to rally London against the king. Charles, and their supporters flee the city, and entrench themselves in their properties to the north. The southern English rally behind Parliament while the North rallies behind the King. The Scottish remain neutrally initially due to their devotion to Presbyterianism (a system which rejects kingly interference in their churches). Many within the Royal Army on away in Ireland dealing with the catholic insurgency that is plaguing them. The Royal Navy however pledges to back the call of the Parliamentarians, and cast away any support for the King.

Peace negotiations are attempted, but fail miserably thus leading to the King, and Parliament calling on their banner man to answer their calls. Until 1644 the war was a quagmire of stalemating frontlines, siege warfare, and constant gains, and losses. Their seemed to be no real clear victory in hand until Parliamentarian forces broke the line, and began to head for the Palace at York. They managed to break into the city, and capture it although for a brief time it seemed like the war would end. The king was imprisoned while a small force was left behind to guard them the majority of the offensive continued onward toward other royal strongholds. One of the kings advisors however managed to come to terms with the Scottish lords who pledged their support, and drove forth to battle the Parliamentarian forces at Alnwick castle (Northumberland).

The Scottish emerged victorious, and the devastating defeat left many in the north isolated, but the retreating forces couldn't get to York to warn them fast enough. The Mayor of the city upon command had the guards of the imprisoned king cut down liberating him from house arrest. Word reached London too late that the Welsh had betrayed them in exchange for fealty to Charles who had an advisor sent to Cardiff. The advisor offered terms of lenience, land, and gold to those who would pledge themselves to the crown, and following the news of the defeat at Alnwick the entirety of the Welsh force deserted from the Parliamentarians. News was coming from Ireland as well since veteran forces who had finally put down the last of the Catholic insurgents were coming back to assist the crown as well. Once the three forces converged they achieved an astounding victory at the battle of Northampton the Parliamentarians grew fearful for they knew defeat was coming. Oliver Cromwell seized initiative, and formed a plan with the Naval Minister to evacuate as many as they could out of the island to the colonies within the Americas. Traders, Merchants, and Creditors who had backed Parliament realized what would happen to them for their supposed treason as did many of the nobility, and clergy. They often took fleets from the docks of any port they could find who would transport them to the colonies while the Parliamentarian Navy did its best to evacuate as many people as possible to France, and Holland where people would then go, and get ships to the Americas.

2) The Great Exodus (1646-1650)
As the army of King Charles pushed further to London a major leader within the Parliamentarian faction decided to issue a slash, and burn policy as they retreat from place to place making sure the King could gather nothing. Many farms, and houses were looted as the retreating continued, and many chose to join the evacuation either looking for a new life or knowing that they would starve come winter due to the crops either being taken or destroyed. Knowing it was too late to turn the tide of the war Cromwell forcefully put cohesive measures in place for the military. Eliminating the system of banner men, and summoning (who could come, and go as they please which plagued both sides of the war in real life often) they used the veteran leaders to form a unified standing army who would be put to use to defend their new home.

Many intellectuals fled leading to a sort of brain drain within England as well, and for a good reason. Many of the universities were ransacked as they collective works of knowledge were brought along the Scientific Revolution would be leaving the country in droves. When it came time the army of Charles finally arrived to London they found not a city welcoming them with open arms or one they had to siege, but rather smoky silence which filled the air for miles to see. Cromwell ordered the city to be burn't to the ground, but waited for as many people to leave as possible. A city of ashes was Charles reward for persisting so long, and suffice to say they were heavily enraged upon entering London. The last city held by the Parliamentarians was Dover, and rather than fight the commander ordered it burned as yet another symbol of defiance before they evacuated through the port. While the struggle of fighting a war was over, a struggle for survival was just beginning for many.

Over 350,000 people had died during the war by the time the last official hostilities ended in December of 1646, but peace wasn't what Charles had received. The Scots, and the Welsh banner man were exhausted, and longed to return home leaving him with only a quarter of manpower left. The burning of villages, estates, and cities left wave after wave of refugees who continued to flee north or into Wales, and Scotland. Meanwhile famine troubled the remnants of people who were left behind due to the massive failure of the harvesting season (thanks to either the crops being burn't or taken by someone else). Bands of deserted troops turned to banditry, and plagued the countryside while cities struggled to rebuild. Charles was forced to reside in their Northern properties, and withered away from an unknown sickness during that winter leaving them pale, sickly, and bedridden. They weren't the only ones to die that winter as thousands died either in their sleep or from the fever. Charles the II a mere 16 years old inherited a broken come amongst a throne of broken glass a fitting, but unfortunate testament to the horrors of tyranny, and war. Now lets look to the ones who made it to what we now call the Commonwealth how is their story so far?

3) The struggles of a new home (1647-1650)
While there were other waves of refugees they would never be as big as the first. A chaotic convulsing mass of individuals moving from one place to the other seeking a new life for themselves. Many would die on the journey from a variety of conditions, but to those who survived they could begin making a life in their new home. The colonies initially during the war were in a state of limbo due to having not received any communications from the royal government, but many began to pick sides while others wanted to continue things as usual as if nothing were wrong. Then things changed as news kept coming albeit slowly, and with the Parliament seemingly about to win many chose to side with them, but they never expected the refugees from the war.

Conservative estimates place the refugee number at about 120,000 over the period of waves in which they occurred with the first being the longest of course.


4) Declaration of the Commonwealth (1646)
The founding document of independence declaring an intention for the colonies to null their relationship with the homeland, and form a separate, but united Commonwealth to preserve the English traditions of Parliament, freedom, and balance. It lists several grievances against the Monarchy, and calls for a rejection of hereditary leadership as a whole.

5) Era of Silence (1646-the present)

Due to the homelands inability to retrieve the colonies it had viewed as going rogue they chose a policy of isolating them through legal, economic, and political measures. Their allies followed through with the policies as well, but non government lenders, creditors, merchants, and traders have chose to deal with them informally creating a black market where goods, and products are charged at exorbitant rates. This black market has spread throughout Europe, and other areas, but the Industrial Revolution has begun to change things. A growing middle class in many nations are seeking for an end to the hostile policies, and resume normal relations. There is also the matter that Parliament never concluded a formal peace with King Charles leaving the war on an unresolved note. While many in the Commonwealth, and the Homeland wish for change there are some who having been brought up this way want it to continue. There have been diplomatic attaches from the homeland visiting Philadelphia to discuss terms to bring an end to this era.

6) The Young Parliament (1646-1650)
Following the declaration a form of revolutionary fervor spread through the former colonies, and the flags of the monarchy were tossed into bonfires. The Parliament assembled in Boston, and appointed as the General Commander of the Army for the Protection of the Commonwealth the military veteran Oliver Cromwell. Parliament in another session declared December 1st as Oath Day a ceremony which served as an official Independence day for the country, and served to ensure loyalty to the new country. Last thing it needed were the actions of treason or sabotage. Cromwell assembled a force of 400 men, and rode forth to each colony delivering a package to each of the legislatures. No longer were the colonies to be called colonies instead they had the honor of becoming provinces, and swearing an oath of loyalty in public. Any remaining flags of the monarchy which hadn't been burnt were respectfully taken down, folded, and placed in Cromwell's personal carriage for serve in a historical collection for all to see. Cromwell told each Charter company, and Proprietor controlled province to elect a new governor. The charter companies, and proprietor's were given assurances their holdings, money, and influence would be left untouched, but they just couldn't elect the governor anymore since those days were past. Cromwell championed expansion into the interior, and land allotments to ensure fairness as settlers headed inwards.

Cromwell personally bought the Charter Company of Carolina, and despite the controversial name (since the latin Carolus translates to Charles) it had been named long before the civil war which wracked their former homeland. They set about eight proprietors to help divided the land, and settle it since there were only a few settlements on the coast populated by French Huguenots. The Proprietors proposed naming the capital of the province as Cromwellsville (which would be Charleston in real life), and thousands of people began to flock towards the new Southern province. Eventually Cromwell, and members of Parliament began working to craft what would bind the nation with a codified form of supreme law.

7 ) The Golden Parliament (1650-1710)
The supreme law in codified form would come as the Articles of the Commonwealth which would be signed on March 16th, 1650. The articles concerned the rights of the governed (bill of rights, and more), responsibility of the government, the establishment of formal parliamentary procedure, separation of the various parts of the government, and the matters that the provinces had control over versus the national government. While not perfect it certainly moved a long way from the past, and was able to adapt to the challenges of time. Cromwell despite only living for a small time in this era would be instrumental in the formation of the army within the Commonwealth, and in a way they are viewed as one of the instrumental founding fathers of the country. In 1652 they retired to a manor they had bought within Boston, and spent the last years of their lives ensuring religious tolerance in each of the provinces while also helping to codify law when they were busy in philosophical clubs within the city. Oliver Cromwell passed away in the night during their sleep, and their legacy lives on today.

The reason this era is known as the Golden Parliament is because of the fact the Scientific Revolution was underway in many of the decades during it. Many intellectuals, and scientists from the Homeland had fled to the Commonwealth, and without the fear of tyranny they become free to attend to their pursuits. One of these instrumental scientists joined known as Isaac Newton joined in 1664, and began to help mobilize change. Some like expanding the voting to all male landowners, and lowering the age requirements to enter into Parliament to 20 succeeded. While others such as given women the right to divorce, and property proved controversial on a national level, but did inspire change in some of the local provinces. In the Commonwealth elections for the national government take place every 6 years. In the 1670 election Isaac Newton was able to win the position of Lord Protector, and began to help make change as soon as they won.

Until 1688 (that is about 18 years) they kept hold of the Commonwealth instituting major reforms in multiple areas. In 1671 they arranged the purchase of the Florida territory from the Andalusian's, and after the exchange sent explorers through the area. The claim was much larger, and it was a quagmire of Andalusian Sunni's, and Catholics in a struggle with the Seminole tribe who dominated the north, and often threatened one of the main settlements there (St. Augustine). Too big for it's own good Newton divided the territory into East Florida, and West Florida while appointing a minister to solve the conflict before it escalated into a full scale war. Newton helped rally support to reform the criminal sentencing, penal system, and punishments within the Commonwealth to move from a puritanical influence to a more rehabilitative minded one. Meanwhile women eventually got the right to divorce, gain property, and keep what they had at the expense of being unable to vote for several decades. Newton also began working on a project to build a city that would serve as capital in one of the newer provinces known as Pennsylvania, but the dream for a new capital wouldn't start construction until 1686..

*I will further expand upon how the Commonwealth changes as it enters into the 18th century later on*.

The Quebec Company Crisis (1700-1710)
*Settlement in the Ohio River Valley would lead to conflict with the successors of the New France Company now known as the Quebec Company. Given a monopoly on the fur trade their claims landed straight into Commonwealth territory. The massacre of a settler caravan would unfortunately cause the area to erupt in an unofficial war between militias, the settlers, and traders. Parliament became plagued by request for official military intervention, and certain members of the military were calling for an outright invasion of Quebec. This of course would endanger the provinces near Quebec, and potentially put the country in debt if they had to fight a European military power. Instead the wizened peacemaker William Penn came out of retirement, and as an official government agent brokered a treaty with France. In exchange for cessation of French claims on the Ohio river territory, and the allowance of the Commonwealth to buy the lands owned by the Quebec Company it would offer the following terms.

1) Prevent of claiming territory within French Louisiana by Commonwealth settlers for the purpose of adding their land to the country.

2) Exclusive right to continue the the monopoly on the Fur Trade by French traders per a period of 140 years, and the ability to negotiate renewal upon expiration of that date.

3) Lowered tariffs on French goods coming into the Commonwealth for a period of 70 years, and the ability to be renewed in negotiations.

4) A pledge to remain neutral in conflicts against France or their territories for a period of 80 years that can be renewed in negotiations if it is brought up.

5) The ability to construct an embassy within Philadelphia to make affairs between the nations easier in the future.

6) Finally, the ability take out loans from the National Bank of the Commonwealth at lowered interest rates compared to other nations. Said interest rate is to be discussed upon the formation of loan requests however.

9) The Intermediate Parliament (1710-1750)
*The intermediate era is one in which the Commonwealth begins to experience some immigration from the Homeland, but these waves are very different in terms of culture, and religion than the values held dear by the exiles. The expansion of slavery is covered in this portion as well, and how it will serve as a build up to the great debate. We see several important figures from what would have been the American Revolution begin to make their mark here as the Enlightenment progresses. The integration of Quebec as a province is underway, and the importance of maintaining stability with other groups becomes important as well. Slave revolts, and citizens warring with the natives over land will lead to even bigger issues for future generations to discuss. Also the Treaty of Oglethorpe in 1732 which creates the Native Territorial Area while settling land claims between natives, and other provinces. *
http://s8.photobucket.com/user/DougLoud ... a.jpg.html
Before the treaty of 1732

10) The Enlightened Parliament (1750-1810)

11) The Reactionary Parliament (1810-1825)
*In this section the rise of the Traditionalist party will be discussed, and how the backlash to the excesses of the situation in France effected those within the Commonwealth. The Traditionalist impact on the position of executive authority within the Commonwealth was strengthened rather than weakened. How the Romanticist movement dominated the Intellectual elite, and society for this period. How the question of personal liberty vs national uniformity became the dominant mode of thought in this age. The attempts by notable citizens of the Commonwealth to explore the natural world, and the beauty of the planet they lived on. *
12) The Moderate Parliament (1825-1840)
*How the questions about morality began to rise especially in concern to the treatment of slaves. Attempts at appeasing the sectarians, and how it would lead to conflict. The rise of Andrew Jackson, and their campaign to fight the impacts of corruption, and reactionary forces. The campaign of the navy to patrol the coastlines of Africa, and fight off the slavers. The solution to the question of slavery, and the legality of illegal settlements with the Native Territorial Area.*
13) The Liberal Parliament (1840-1850)
Noted for heading the nation during the era of the Liberal Spring (or Springtime of Nations). The rise of the socialist party, and the recent introduction of Marxism. *The growing concern for an expanded system of social welfare, and the potential impact of industrialization within the cities. The possibility of expanding railroads across North America to create a Transcontinental Railroad. Increasing immigration from non-western European countries, the solution to the contracted servitude in the southern provinces, and pressing for the rights of minorities. Also what questions the future could hold for the Commonwealth as the world becomes increasingly involved in Africa, will slavery thrive or finally die?*
Comparison Points – Political : 3
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 1
Comparison Points – Economy : 3
Comparison Points – Military : 3
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : /10

That ten point system a great way to ensure a nation would have to commit suicide in order to benefit at all.

[Oscalantine]

Full Nation Name : The American Commonwealth
Flag (Image)
Majority/Official Culture : Anglo-American
Territorial Core :
http://i.imgur.com/QxsvU1h.png (The portion which occupies the Eastern part of what would be the U.S obviously).
Territorial Claim : None at the moment
Capital City : Philadelphia, Commonwealth Province
Population : 25.35 million

Government Type : Parliamentarian Republicanism
Government Ideology/Policies : To maintain the preservation, and the interests of the Commonwealth
Government Focus : To preserve their independence while expanding relations with fellow nations in the Americas, and also restoring relations with the Homeland. A greater goal of working towards the end of international slavery is present as well. Also potentially fund independence movements within colonies that are being exploited.
Head of State : Governor-General Lewis Cass
Head of Government : Lord Protector (the title Oliver Cromwell used lol) Martin Van Buren
Government Description : The government is based off the Parliamentarian system of Westminister, but in a modified form since the Commonwealth focuses on a separation of powers principle. The executive is often a ceremonial position due to the government being an infusion of the real life Articles of Confederation, New Jersey Plan, and the ideals of the Enlightenment during revolutionary France. The Commonwealth is somewhat a confederation due to the diversity of functions each province deals with especially in how their own governments are formatted. While the legislature is the most powerful branch of the government it is kept in line by the parties, and the voters.

Majority/State Religion : Secularism discourages an official government religion.
Economic Ideologies : Encouragingly capitalistic with tones of moderate government intervention, and control.
Major Production : Agricultural products typically come from the Southern Provinces which have thankfully diversified from the Cotton monopoly. New England is famous for its mercantile trade navies, fisheries, and lumber mills. Meanwhile Industrialization has spread across the provinces of the Ohio river valley, and throughout the Northern Provinces. Mining is turning out to be dominant in the province of Sylvania (Western Virginia) along with Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Franklin (eastern Tennessee).
Economic Description : An economic powerhouse in certain areas yet while railroads have increasingly interconnected the country certain areas are either undeveloped for reasons unknown or intentionally.

Army Strength : The Army for the protection of the Commonwealth has its roots dating back all the way to Oliver Cromwell since they were formed out of the remnants of Cromwell's private army. A disciplined force of 30,000 is divided into armies of 5,000 stationed across the various dominions (region grouping of provinces). There also 50,000 registered militia members across the various parts of the Commonwealth.
Army Weakness : The officer corp is divided between the older more conservative bureaucracy, and the younger more politically active youth. There is also conflict due to wealthy members of society being able to purchase ranks (which was a real thing in Britain), and those who entered in through more traditional ways. The Commonwealth militia can be summoned by Parliament, but the provinces can refuse to let them assemble or direct where they can actually go
Naval Strength : While the armies may have suffered defeat in the civil war the navy had a different story. Unfortunately with the war lost many of the ships were used in the mass exodus which took tens of thousands to the American colonies over a series of months. Part of this fleet would go on to form the Merchant Navy while the other formed the Naval Forces of the Commonwealth. The naval fleet size is officially around 70 ships of various categories in total.

Naval Weakness : While not as problematic the officer corp is still regimented in their traditions, and mannerisms. Certain ships crews will sometimes impress (force) locals of the ports they visits as workers for the ship. There are times where crews will go rogue, and turn to pirating or helping the slavers in Africa.
Further Military Description : Unlike certain areas of civil society the military has been able to integrate the Native, and African units with that of the majority populace despite the domineering conservative way of thinking. There is also some debate on the issue of working with non government militias since those type of organizations aren't held to strict standards like the ones owned by the provinces.

National Goals : To create a transcontinental railway that will connect the East, and the West. Also spreading that rail system throughout the entirety of the Americas as a sign of cooperation with their neighbors. To ensure the death of slavery within the Americas by underground movements, and the spread of abolitionism while also inspiring those oppressed by restrictive government or denied the right to suffrage.

National Issues :
1) Addressing the spread of Marxist, and Socialist ideology, and literature throughout the Commonwealth by ensuring the country isn't threatened from instability.
2) Working to solve the problem of contracted servitude within the Southern provinces since the freedman are slaves in all, but name. There is a movement to guarantee greater rights not just for them, but other minorities as well, and solve the issue of voting rights.
3) Keep the peace in the Native Territorial Province to prevent conflicts between the Native tribal civilizations, and the settlers coming in through illegal means to exploit the land.
4) Focus on the building of a Transcontinental Railroad to unite North America, and then expand it southward.

National Figures of Interest : Karl Marx, and Friedrich Engels have come to the Commonwealth, and have begun spreading their ideology amongst the literate freedman, and those who view the system of contracted servitude as slavery in all, but name. Debate clubs, and literature societies along with newspapers have spread across the Commonwealth, and society is entering a new era as the Springtime of Nations dies. I will reveal others as the plot progresses within the role play.

National Ambition/Aspirations : Spread the ideals of the Commonwealth not by conquest, but rather through exchange of ideals. Also ensure the security of their neighbors, and those civilizations often regarded as primitive.

History :
1) War against the tyranny of Charles I (1642-1646)
Guards loyal To King Charles the 1st attempted to seize members of parliament while they were in session fortunately militias loyal to parliament managed to push the guards back allowing the Parliamentarians to rally London against the king. Charles, and their supporters flee the city, and entrench themselves in their properties to the north. The southern English rally behind Parliament while the North rallies behind the King. The Scottish remain neutrally initially due to their devotion to Presbyterianism (a system which rejects kingly interference in their churches). Many within the Royal Army on away in Ireland dealing with the catholic insurgency that is plaguing them. The Royal Navy however pledges to back the call of the Parliamentarians, and cast away any support for the King.

Peace negotiations are attempted, but fail miserably thus leading to the King, and Parliament calling on their banner man to answer their calls. Until 1644 the war was a quagmire of stalemating frontlines, siege warfare, and constant gains, and losses. Their seemed to be no real clear victory in hand until Parliamentarian forces broke the line, and began to head for the Palace at York. They managed to break into the city, and capture it although for a brief time it seemed like the war would end. The king was imprisoned while a small force was left behind to guard them the majority of the offensive continued onward toward other royal strongholds. One of the kings advisors however managed to come to terms with the Scottish lords who pledged their support, and drove forth to battle the Parliamentarian forces at Alnwick castle (Northumberland).

The Scottish emerged victorious, and the devastating defeat left many in the north isolated, but the retreating forces couldn't get to York to warn them fast enough. The Mayor of the city upon command had the guards of the imprisoned king cut down liberating him from house arrest. Word reached London too late that the Welsh had betrayed them in exchange for fealty to Charles who had an advisor sent to Cardiff. The advisor offered terms of lenience, land, and gold to those who would pledge themselves to the crown, and following the news of the defeat at Alnwick the entirety of the Welsh force deserted from the Parliamentarians. News was coming from Ireland as well since veteran forces who had finally put down the last of the Catholic insurgents were coming back to assist the crown as well. Once the three forces converged they achieved an astounding victory at the battle of Northampton the Parliamentarians grew fearful for they knew defeat was coming. Oliver Cromwell seized initiative, and formed a plan with the Naval Minister to evacuate as many as they could out of the island to the colonies within the Americas. Traders, Merchants, and Creditors who had backed Parliament realized what would happen to them for their supposed treason as did many of the nobility, and clergy. They often took fleets from the docks of any port they could find who would transport them to the colonies while the Parliamentarian Navy did its best to evacuate as many people as possible to France, and Holland where people would then go, and get ships to the Americas.

2) The Great Exodus (1646-1650)
As the army of King Charles pushed further to London a major leader within the Parliamentarian faction decided to issue a slash, and burn policy as they retreat from place to place making sure the King could gather nothing. Many farms, and houses were looted as the retreating continued, and many chose to join the evacuation either looking for a new life or knowing that they would starve come winter due to the crops either being taken or destroyed. Knowing it was too late to turn the tide of the war Cromwell forcefully put cohesive measures in place for the military. Eliminating the system of banner men, and summoning (who could come, and go as they please which plagued both sides of the war in real life often) they used the veteran leaders to form a unified standing army who would be put to use to defend their new home.

Many intellectuals fled leading to a sort of brain drain within England as well, and for a good reason. Many of the universities were ransacked as they collective works of knowledge were brought along the Scientific Revolution would be leaving the country in droves. When it came time the army of Charles finally arrived to London they found not a city welcoming them with open arms or one they had to siege, but rather smoky silence which filled the air for miles to see. Cromwell ordered the city to be burn't to the ground, but waited for as many people to leave as possible. A city of ashes was Charles reward for persisting so long, and suffice to say they were heavily enraged upon entering London. The last city held by the Parliamentarians was Dover, and rather than fight the commander ordered it burned as yet another symbol of defiance before they evacuated through the port. While the struggle of fighting a war was over, a struggle for survival was just beginning for many.

Over 350,000 people had died during the war by the time the last official hostilities ended in December of 1646, but peace wasn't what Charles had received. The Scots, and the Welsh banner man were exhausted, and longed to return home leaving him with only a quarter of manpower left. The burning of villages, estates, and cities left wave after wave of refugees who continued to flee north or into Wales, and Scotland. Meanwhile famine troubled the remnants of people who were left behind due to the massive failure of the harvesting season (thanks to either the crops being burn't or taken by someone else). Bands of deserted troops turned to banditry, and plagued the countryside while cities struggled to rebuild. Charles was forced to reside in their Northern properties, and withered away from an unknown sickness during that winter leaving them pale, sickly, and bedridden. They weren't the only ones to die that winter as thousands died either in their sleep or from the fever. Charles the II a mere 16 years old inherited a broken come amongst a throne of broken glass a fitting, but unfortunate testament to the horrors of tyranny, and war. Now lets look to the ones who made it to what we now call the Commonwealth how is their story so far?

3) The struggles of a new home (1647-1650)
While there were other waves of refugees they would never be as big as the first. A chaotic convulsing mass of individuals moving from one place to the other seeking a new life for themselves. Many would die on the journey from a variety of conditions, but to those who survived they could begin making a life in their new home. The colonies initially during the war were in a state of limbo due to having not received any communications from the royal government, but many began to pick sides while others wanted to continue things as usual as if nothing were wrong. Then things changed as news kept coming albeit slowly, and with the Parliament seemingly about to win many chose to side with them, but they never expected the refugees from the war.


4) Declaration of the Commonwealth (1646)

5) Era of Silence (1646-1850) *Hopefully it will end this year
6) The Young Parliament (1646-1650)
7 ) The Golden Parliament (1650-1710)
The Quebec Company Crisis (1700-1710)
9) The Intermediate Parliament (1710-1750)
10) Treaty of Oglethorpe concerning the future of the Native Civilizations (1732)
11) The Enlightened Parliament (1750-1810)
12) The Reactionary Parliament (1810-1825)
13) The Great Debate of Slavery (1810-1840)
14) The Moderate Parliament (1825-1840)
15) The Liberal Parliament (1840-1850)

Comparison Points – Political : 3
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 1
Comparison Points – Economy : 3
Comparison Points – Military : 3
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : /10

That ten point system a great way to ensure a nation would have to commit suicide in order to benefit at all.

Still almost done? But then again... the app is getting larger by the day, and I am getting worried XDDD. 'tis like a looming behemoth in the horizon.

It was a way of saying you should give up something if you want something else. Basically, you put a lot of military onto something, you cannot have nice things for other sections. For instance, your app would actually be very vulnerable to internal rebellion like socialist revolution, since your cultural focus is too low. If a random communist nation pops up (like that's going to happen in 1850), you are not going to be a very happy camper ^^

[ApplePieistan]

Full Nation Name : United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Majority/Official Culture : [[What your people identify themselves with… French, Chinese, Iroquois, Touareg, etc.]] British
Territorial Core : [[place where you have absolute control over]] Ruperts Land, Western India, Eastern Australia, Ireland, Great Britain
Territorial Claim : [[OPTIONAL]] [[region NOT your core where your nation’s ambition lies]] Central United States
Capital City : [[Its IRL location and name]] London
Population : 75 million

Government Type : [[Monarchy, Republic, etc.]] Absolute Monarchy
Government Ideology/Policies : [[OPTIONAL]] [[Militant, Imperialist, Expansionist, etc.]]
Government Focus : [[Tell me a little bit about what is your government’s focus… be it military, economy, culture, legitimacy, etc.]]military
Head of State : [[highest-ranking individual in the nation according to rule of law]] Queen Victoria
Head of Government : [[highest-ranking defacto ruler]] Queen Victoria
Government Description : Absolute Monarchy

Economic Ideologies : [[Capitalism, Mercantilism, Socialism, Communism, etc.]]Mercantilism
Major Production : Geological: coal, limestone, chalk, gypsum, silica, rock salt, china clay, iron ore, tin, silver and gold
Economic Description : The government regulates the nation's economy for the purpose of augmenting state power at the expense of rival national powers. There is a national economic policy aimed at accumulating monetary reserves. Domestic trade is maximized with high tariffs for everything (except tea).

Army Strength :well-trained and modernized
Army Weakness :not many loyal soldiers
Naval Strength : strong, powerful, and numerous ships
Naval Weakness :spread pretty thin to protect all the colonies

National Goals : Get more colonies and influence throughout the world
National Issues : [[what needs to be fixed in order for your nation to achieve its true potential]] Competing nations also attempting to colonize

History : [[Can be in paragraph or bulletpoint timeline.]]

Beginning in 1642, the English Civil War was fought between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists armies over who fought over who gets to rule England. Parliment attempted to gather forces by using the Militia Ordinance, but the people in the area did not want to fight for Parliament because many of them believed that the king was put in power by God and did not want to go against Him. This led to the Parlimentarians having much less manpower than the royalists, leading to a royalist victory. The monarchy continued their reign, now unchecked by the Parliment.

Over the next hundred years, the British expanded their military might, primarily the navy, to colonize more of the world. In the 1700s, the British colonized Eastern Australia and Western India. They also were able to make a colony in Ruperts Land, North America. The land was covered in snow, but much of the rest of North America was already taken, making this land seem "better than nothing". This was the only lands Britain was able to colonize, but the empire set her eyes on much more territory that she was yet to take.
Comparison Points – Political : [[How much national focus is gone into administrating the government, i.e. espionage, royal marriages, counter-intelligence, etc.]]4
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : [[How much national focus is gone into religious and or cultural aspects, i.e. asking for excommunication, call for crusade, soviet revolution in other nations, etc.]]0
Comparison Points – Economy : [[How much national focus is gone into economic matters, i.e. embargo/blockade efficiency, lasting through war of attrition, simply feeding your people better, etc.]]2
Comparison Points – Military : [[How much national focus is gone into military, i.e. discipline, morale, better tacticians/generals, etc.]]4
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : 10/10

[Tracian Empire]

So, what have I missed? And the glorious Roman Empire is still not on the roster

[Benuty]

Still almost done? But then again... the app is getting larger by the day, and I am getting worried XDDD. 'tis like a looming behemoth in the horizon.

It was a way of saying you should give up something if you want something else. Basically, you put a lot of military onto something, you cannot have nice things for other sections. For instance, your app would actually be very vulnerable to internal rebellion like socialist revolution, since your cultural focus is too low. If a random communist nation pops up (like that's going to happen in 1850), you are not going to be a very happy camper ^^

Well I did say the 10 point system wasn't efficient (:P) besides wouldn't political be where potential socialists factions form out of?

The reason I don't focus on religion is because of the fact the government adopted a more secular stance on religion, but nowhere near as radical as the French attempted to. There were no cults of reason headed by mad Jacobin's here, but that doesn't mean the ideas didn't try to come here. Culturally given it is only 1850 the nation is somewhat similiar in terms of ancestry. I mean sure you have the various ethnic groups, but at the end of the day most are European. The only real alternative is the fact there is a giant territory which is administered solely by the native tribes who are pretty much left to their own desires. This doesn't mean they are excluded from parliament, but the situation with them is rather precarious because the government doesn't want an overreaction to occur. As for the Africans well they have the problem of contracted servitude, and Marx to deal with.

Of course I am speaking for the national government mind you since the Commonwealth leaves cultural affairs to the provinces, but I assure you any attempt to destroy the democratic process will be met with force. A socialist party victory is one thing since it happened in Europe a lot in real life since they practically chose to blend in with the system rather than commit to revolutionary action like many had hoped. The Communards of Paris are very different example, and one that has requirements not yet met to occur in the Commonwealth of all places.

[Republic of Coldwater]

Can I apply as a rebel group fighting against the might of the British Empire?

[Oscalantine]

Well I did say the 10 point system wasn't efficient (:P) besides wouldn't political be where potential socialists factions form out of?

The reason I don't focus on religion is because of the fact the government adopted a more secular stance on religion, but nowhere near as radical as the French attempted to. There were no cults of reason headed by mad Jacobin's here, but that doesn't mean the ideas didn't try to come here. Culturally given it is only 1850 the nation is somewhat similiar in terms of ancestry. I mean sure you have the various ethnic groups, but at the end of the day most are European. The only real alternative is the fact there is a giant territory which is administered solely by the native tribes who are pretty much left to their own desires. This doesn't mean they are excluded from parliament, but the situation with them is rather precarious because the government doesn't want an overreaction to occur. As for the Africans well they have the problem of contracted servitude, and Marx to deal with.

Of course I am speaking for the national government mind you since the Commonwealth leaves cultural affairs to the provinces, but I assure you any attempt to destroy the democratic process will be met with force. A socialist party victory is one thing since it happened in Europe a lot in real life since they practically chose to blend in with the system rather than commit to revolutionary action like many had hoped. The Communards of Paris are very different example, and one that has requirements not yet met to occur in the Commonwealth of all places.

Mind you, that's why I mixed culture with religion. It gives justification for those who say "I am secular so I don't care about religion" to have a blind spot when it comes to cultural attacks ^^

[Oscalantine]

So, what have I missed? And the glorious Roman Empire is still not on the roster

Wait... glorious Roman Empire was approved? ... ... ... I must be getting old. I forgot ^^;;;... or I have asked you to do something and I haven't checked back in after that.

What page was your app in? I'll get right on it!

[Benuty]

Can I apply as a rebel group fighting against the might of the British Empire?

What exactly did you have in mind?

[Tracian Empire]

So, what have I missed? And the glorious Roman Empire is still not on the roster

Wait... glorious Roman Empire was approved? ... ... ... I must be getting old. I forgot ^^;;;... or I have asked you to do something and I haven't checked back in after that.

What page was your app in? I'll get right on it!

Well, it's on page 9. You asked me to add some details about the army and the navy(Greek Fire), but never said anything.

[Benuty]

As for the length of my application well lets just say I could write a novel if I wanted, but this is me trying to limit myself .

[Castillae]

Should I just add my territory on the map? Then send it to you?

[Oscalantine]

Should I just add my territory on the map? Then send it to you?

Using superlatives... lazy army and navy section... yeah, I can see that it is WiP, dude. Keep it up!

Its a polite way of saying that your app is not up to the standards, and you should rethink and redo your app before applying again.

[Castillae]

Should I just add my territory on the map? Then send it to you?

Using superlatives... lazy army and navy section... yeah, I can see that it is WiP, dude. Keep it up!

Its a polite way of saying that your app is not up to the standards, and you should rethink and redo your app before applying again.

Alright, I'll look at it again.