Age of Imperialism: A Colonization RP Reboot (IC, Open)

by **Asardia** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 1:01 pm

Welcome to the Victorian Era.

The year is 1884, the same year in which the Europeans divided the continent of Africa among themselves during the Berlin Conference. The country where the conference was held was Germany, a new empire who had recently unified only a decade earlier. But the beginnings of a unified Germany began earlier than that. The collection of states under the Holy Roman Empire were subjugated by the French in 1806, where they would remain under French influence as the Confederation of the Rhine. The Confederation would collapse after Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Leipzig. But the Nationalistic feelings that the Germans had during the Napoleonic Wars would remain with them. In 1866, the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Empire would fight in a war, where Prussia emerged as the victor, causing the Prussians to dominate the German states. In 1871, Prussia waged a war against the Second French Empire. Some say Otto von Bismarck deliberately provoked the French into attacking, and others claim he just took advantage of the situation as it unfolded. Nonetheless, Germany has now become one nation, and is rising as a great power in Europe, tipping the scale of power and creating tension among the Europeans.

The Italian Peninsula though, was a different story. The land was split, with the Italian Federation holding territory on the northern portion of Italy. Venice, which declined during the 16th and 17th centuries, didn't fall. Despite losing huge amounts of territory, Venice managed to keep their Dalmatian lands, and after acquiring Ragusa, they were able to expand. But the Napoleonic Wars caused the complete collapse of Venice and other Italian city states, which led to the Risorgimento. Venice was able to reform itself, eventually transforming into a republic, which led to revolutionaries making calls for the unification of all of Italy. Venice invaded Milan, and soon was at war with most Italian states in the north. The formation of the Italian Revolutionary Army and the return of Giuseppe Garibaldi from the New World with his Italian Legion allowed for victory in 1845. The states conquered by Venice were at first organized into sister republics, before being annexed and forming the Italian Federation. In late 1847, Giuseppe Garibaldi led a failed expedition to the south, coupled with threats from neighbouring states, prevented any invasion of the south.

In Asia, Japan has began to modernize and open up its borders after the isolationist period of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The Edo Period (from 1603-1868) was the time in Japan were the Tokugawa Shogunate ruled over a time of economic growth, relative internal and political stability. The Shogunate wanted to guard against Western influence, particularly Christianity. The Tokugawa Shogunate decided to close off Japanese society from the rest of the world in order to accomplish this. Christianity was banned in favor of Confucianism. The Shogunate brutally repressed a rebellion on the Shimabara Peninsula in 1637, forcing all Christians to remain in hiding. The Shogunate closed off all trade with western nations and prevented Japanese merchants from traveling to other countries. But the Tokugawa would begin to weaken over the centuries. In 1867, the Choshu and Satsuma clans joined forces and toppled to the Tokugawa Shogunate, resulting in the Meiji Restoration, which restored power to the Emperor and removed the Shogun from power. Fourteen year old Prince Mutsuhito would become the next emperor after the death of the Emperor Kōmei.

In the Americas, the United States set itself apart from the rest of the continent as a regional superpower. The Americans, along with the French, defeated the British in the American War of Independence, installing George Washington as president. The nation would later acquire huge amounts of land over the decades in various wars and purchases. The first of these was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the nation. Later on, in 1848, the United States and Mexico fought a war, which resulted in the Mexican Cession and the establishment of the modern American borders. However, the acquisition of these territories would ultimately cause a huge divide within the United States. Since the nation’s founding, it had endured countless debates about the issue of slavery. Slavery had been a huge debate, and multiple compromises had been made, such as the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas Nebraska Act. However, these laws weren’t enough to prevent the United States from undergoing a brutal civil war, which devastated the South. The nation had rebuilt itself since the days of Reconstruction and became an industrial powerhouse.

Now you will be able to take control of a nation and lead it. Will you be able to create an empire that is feared across the world? Or will your nation fall as a footnote in the history books? The choice is now yours.

Map

OOC

Co Op: Parcia

Rules:
No Godmodding
Keep the technology Historical
No instant troop movements or sudden victories. Battles take time
You can make your own nation or use an historical one

If you need help with the history of your nation, this site is a good place to start.

by **Parcia** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 1:41 pm

The War was over, the nation at peace.

The Celebrations went through the whole island as the last of the Imperial Spanish Troops were exiled from the Island in a pitiful little boat. They were told they were sent towards Spain, although in reality it would likely be caught by the winds and thrown whatever direction Lasy Sea will take the Bastards.

Even then, as the men and women drank, as the Soldiers danced in jigs and the former slaves past around their delicacies, the children played, and the elderly rested, the men of the Revolution set to work.
The government would be one like its northern Brethren, a land of freedom and democracy and equality for all. That last part was in their minds particularly often.
All of the islands peoples had contributed to the Revolution that threw off Colonial oppression, from the many Native Cuban men and women (many who took up fighting roles far more then thought at first), to the Irish, American, and African soldiers and volunteers who saw a similar spark of hope and freedom that they saw 3 decades earlier.
Three core tenants would be set forth:
ALL would be free and equal, no matter the race or sex.
ALL would be subject to same treatment under the law, be them the richest Baron or countess, to the lowest shoe maker and harlot.
ALL would be remembered for their sacrifice.

The last one had a more literal meaning then most would think. The basis for a National Congress was being formed, with equal representation being important. For the Cubans, natives to this land and who fought tooth and nail for the island, they would gain their full rights as Cuban citizens, no longer Spanish subjects.
For the freedmen, both American and Spanish, they too would begiven their citizen and their freedom from Slavery, thus ending the last vestiges of Slavery in Cuban lands…though this would not please all.
Lastly, the Iris-Americans, most aging Civil War veterans or and their eldest sons, who formed the vanguard of the Revolutionary forces and often the only force capable of staring down Imperial troops. These men would be venerated, as would all of the fighting men, and would be granted full citizenship. While many would choose to retire to a small plot of allotted land (A common substation to cash payout as the National Coffers were…damn near empty.)
However, many would choose to remain with the newly remained “Federal Army” and take up the positions of senior officers and trainers. Bringing with them would be their families, forming a large Irish minority in the population, this would anger a few die-hard nationalists, however the conflict would remain small and isolated.
Lastly would be the surprisingly large number of Women who served in the front, while many served as medics and couriers, many, (far more then first thought.) served on the frontlines, manning cannons, among the infantry and Calvary.

For this, the government chooses to do something most outside of Cuba would see as…radicle. Full rights and citizenship would be granted to these Women soldiers, as well as all women on the island. Cuba would be the first nation in…ever, to do so. However, they would be barred from combat roles from now on.

Economics
With the Civil rights squared away, a strategy to jumpstart the Economy and get Cuba in to somewhat of a good economic position.

First would be a stock in what items and services that the nation could export for quick Cash. Firstly, would be the rather famous Cuban cigars and tobacco, known for both is smooth and robust flavor and easy drag, given which type among the variety a user buys.
3 types would be formed to be sold.
The first and most common would be the ”Pequeño diablo” or “Little Devil” a moderate quality cigar in a cigarette size, rather cheap for its small size and easy manufacture, with hundreds being made in various little shops across the island. These would be packaged in simple, paper packs and sold as “Nacionales Cubanos, Plata.” Or “Cuban Nationals, silver.”
The Second, or middle class, the standard size cigar often found among the various plantations and exporters, the difference now being the recently established national guidelines of size, make, and crop flavor. These would be packaged in specially made, sealed wooden boxes, with each cigar in its own sealed paper tubes nestled in velvet lining. These would be Packaged in simple, cardboard boxes with leather interiors for safe keeping, marked as “Nacionales Cubanos, Oro.” Or “Cuban Nationals, Gold.”
The third, Large class of cigars are reserved for “High rollers” and those willing to spend the best for the best. Rolled with the highest quality paper and the best of the crops. These are marked as “Nacionales Cubanos, Diamante.” Or “Cuban Nationals, Diamond.”

With each plantation being privately owned, a system is formed with each plantation being paid a sum equal to the value of their crop given to the “Cuban Nationals” company (One of the few recently built state owned business) and exported abroad, the company taking the profit from the exports and pumping it in to the economy. For the time being, before the big payouts begin, a system of bonds is instituted until enough currency (this being the Cuban Paso, roughly 1/5th the US dollar) is in the National Coffers.

Diplomacy
With the establishment of the New Government, a set of envoys is formed to be sent to various nations.
To the United states, arguably the closes regional power and possibly Cuba’s greatest potential alley, a full Diplomatic team is sent to Washington D.C to negotiate a Recognition of the Federal republic of Cuba as a sovereign nation, as well as possible trade negotiations. It has the added mission to secure US raw material imports, namely steel and other hard metals and even secondhand cannons and small arms, with the American Colt Single Action army being the favored side arm of the National Army.
A separate offer is made to the Remington Compony for a set of 100 Remington-Lee rifles and ammo for field trials. Further Production licenses offers are likely to come.
To the United Kingdom, a Similar diplomatic team is sent to establish similar ties, as well as the added mission to secure British Arms Imports. This being vital as many of the Regular infantry of the Federal Army make use of the British Martini henry rifle, and know of its capability, and wish to adopt it as Cuba’s first national Military rifle.

To Haiti, a cautious eye is shown, as even through the two-yearlong bloody conflict, the revolution and civil war, as well as the rising of Marxist ideology has struck a nerve with the many men and women in power in Havana. The ideology is not what turns many off, but the blatant genocide of the Spanish and Whites shocks many, turning most away from the idea of a “Socialist Cuba” and the few who still preach the teaching of Karl Marx as zealots aiming for similar events. For the most part they are ignored, but the government begins to set forth a secret organization of man and women dedicated to monitoring these socialist and tracking their moves.

Weapons and Naval development
With the standardization of the Army, a standardization of the Arsenal is needed as well.
At the moment, the mainstream field guns used by the arms small artillery corps are French in origin, with roughly 125 field guns, 100 are the “Canon de Reffye de 75mm” a steel cast, screw breached, 75mm breech loader bought in large numbers in private transactions by various members of the army. The crews were small, 5-man teams, but well trained and equipped.
20 or so are larger, “Canon de Reffye de 95mm” employed as both direct and indirect fire using hallowed out, fragmentation shells. The remaining 5 are newer, Canon de Reffye de 85mm, used as needed.
A small number (12) of American made Gatling guns also serve in the defensive fortifications of Havana.
A smaller stock of German made, Krupp Brand mountain guns also existed, 45 in 47mm range used in support of mountain and jungle troops.
The Port of Havana would be defended by the Fortress Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña (Fort of St. Charles) and its battery of 8 102mm breech loading guns, and its smaller, 24 pounder long guns (40 of these, this is a fortress here.)

The Second fortress of Havana, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, is turned in to a supply depot and mortar battery, owing to its bad spot for port defense, but able to be used both as a command post and a storage place for the national armory. A set of large bore howitzers is stationed there as well.
The third fortress contains an even larger garrison and a larger battery of 60 24pounder long guns, and another 8 102mm rifled guns

With the adoption of the Martini rifle as the temporary official service rifle, small scale production of spare parts and accessories (mostly slings and bayonets) is started, as well as small time production of the newer, drawn brass cartridges in .577/455.
The same is done for the Colt Single Action Army, for the same reasons.

With a Fledgling Republic recently born, it Hs yet to be seen if it will survive its first decade.

by **Novas Arcanum** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 3:01 pm

God Save The Queen!
Chapter 1: The Drums of Revolution
1st of January, the Year of our Lord, 1884
London England,United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

London England, the greatest city in the entire world, beating heart of the British Empire, the nexus of finance, trade, and industry home to over eight million souls. The furnaces and cranes shrieked, and creaked, the machinery buzzed with life. The Orchestra of Industry was playing, and the entire world was its audience. The dreadful clouds of smoke and ash billowed from the chimneys and hung over the metropolis. Factories pumped out gadgets and widgets, gears and gizmos. England was the workshop of the world, and the poor workers carried on to the manufactories, proud citizens of the Empire doing their parts to ensure it's vitality. The British working classes were the cogs and wheels of the machine known as Great Britain, their blood, sweat, and tears brought forth immense wealth and prosperity for the empire. Merchants sold their goods, at the decorated shops lining the cobblestone streets. Shelves and warehouses were filled with a plethora of goods and resources, hailed from all across the Empire. Children laughed and played barefooted on the roads and pretty wives kissed their husband's goodbye as they sought their fortunes in the far-flung colonies around the world.

From India to Canada, Australia to Cape Colony, east to west, north to south the Union Jack stood strong and proud on every corner of the map. The sun never set on the empire, and the British were proud of this fact. The Royal Navy patrolled the high seas ensuring the veins of trade where unmolested, and that business and commerce could take place freely and faithfully. The Stock Market boomed has well has banking and it seemed companies where witnessing record sales. Yet there where cracks forming in the foundation, Western Civilization was undergoing a revolution, and much had changed in such a short period. Africa was a hotbed of barbarity and savageness. The Vodun Horde breathed heavily on the necks of the colonials in Nigeria and other West African lands. In Cape Colony the savage Zulus where mounting a rebellion, putting pressure on the troops located there. In the Crown Jewel of India, there were protests against British rule the echoes of the Mutiny of 1857 still reverberating across the decades. Ireland called for their independence, and secessionist movements threatened the union that had been in place since 1801. All eyes turned to London for these ailments to be healed.

Fog blanketed the old palace of Westminister. Parliament was in session, and the House of Commons was in an uproar, as usual. Old men in suits and wigs, veins popping on their foreheads, faces red as tomatoes shouting and waving their fists one would think it was a savage gladiator match of the days of yore, but no it was a typical day in Westminister. The Conservatives debated with the Liberals for the course of policy that the Empire would take.1884, the dawn of a new era, there where great challenges that beset the British people, revolution had taken the world by storm, and it was up to Old Albion, to guide the world in the right direction, to put the upstart nations in their place and to remind them of the might and vitality of the British Empire.

William Gladstone, leader of the Liberal Party, took the stage and the lights were on him that fateful day. The debates raged over the passage of the "Welfare Reform Act of 1884" which would be the first socialist act ever to be implemented in Great Britain. This would revolutionize politics and economics in Britain for generations to come. William would be known has the "Peoples Prime Minister" for continually pushing for the rights of the working class, he held under his belt a plethora of sanitary and workers laws that had gained him the support of the people. He campaigned for expanded male suffrage and successfully implemented it. The uneducated and unwashed believed that he was their robin hood ready to steal from the rich and give to the poor. In truth, Gladstone was after power and influence and would play fiddle to the hearts of the lower classmen to achieve his ambitious goals. Yes, William believed in the grace of God that he would pass landmark legislation that would change Great Britain forever and land him in the history books. Unfortunately there where many obstacles that stood in his path. In order to achieve his goals, William would have to keep the fragile unity of his liberal coalition tempering the hot fires of passion that burned in the hearts of the ambitious Machiavellians who wished to peddle their own interests against the good of the Empire. The old man stood on the podium and watched his fellow MPs duking it out. The chatter was insufferable and Mr.Gladstone the bulldog he was would have none of it.

"My fellow MPs I beseech you to hold your tongues there shall be order in this palace!"

His voice boomed across the room. His eyes glared at each and every one of them daring them to raise hell, daring them to oppose him. Eventually, everyone sat down and listened attentively. William was an elderly man, but even now he stood tall over the rest of the MPs his very demeanor demanding respect.

" Good evening, gentlemen, honorable members of Parliament I come to speak to you on a matter of grave importance. For too long has Great Britain accepted the illness of inequality and inequity. We are the wealthiest nation on Earth, but we are as wealthy in pound sterlings has we are in the poor and destitute. Our vaults are full of gold and silver, while our streets are full of the starving and homeless.

Some of the upperclassmen of this country would instead make a slave of his fellow man than to help him as a brother. To relentlessly seek profit in business and enterprise, than to spare pocket change for the needy. Our colonies have betrothed a fortune for this nation yet we only save the bread crumbs and take the lions to share.

It does not have to be like this a nation of haves and have-nots, a country of great wealth and poverty, we have enough money to take care of our citizens and afford them a higher quality of life yet we choose not to. We decide to risk their lives in our mines. We choose to send them to war. We decide to tell them to sacrifice their sweat, blood, and lives for our nation that it is their duty as patriots to do so yet we give nothing in return.

I beseech you to vote today for this "Welfare Act" to give back to the people of Britain for they already given so much to this country I implore you to put aside your petty differences and to hold your pride and find it within yourself to care for our brethren no matter how poor and lowly they are. To put aside profit and market speculation, and see the love of God, in your hearts.

MPs, I have absolute faith in the Almighty that the right decision will be made today that we shall cast down politics and instead act on principle.

Thank you, gentlemen, and may God bless you all.

A moment of shock fell over the whole of Westminster. The MPs knew Mr.Gladstone was something of a radical, but they had no idea that he would bring something such as this to the table. Eventually, a brave fellow would break the silence.

"This man speaks of utter madness, he would bring ruin upon us all!"- Sir Jack Whitley

And soon the floodgates were wide open.

"Mr.Gladstone speaks the truth! The wealth inequality that infects Great Britain is an outrage! We must pass welfare reform if our nation is to realize it's true potential and make an end of the rampant theft of our citizenry! "-Sir Richard Hughes

Parliament immediately erupted in an uproar, as the men debated. Impassioned speeches and dramatic, epithets ruled the palace that day. The Liberal Coalition would begin its slow but steady descent into madness but Bulldog Willam Gladstone would be sure to whip them back to shape and organize into a stalwart wall against the conservatives. The coalition would hold for now, but it had a bumpy ride to for the weeks to come as the "Welfare Reform Act" or "Williams Folly'" as the aristocrats called it was questioned and bloodied every step of the way. In the end, William battle weary was able to pass the legislation by razor-thin measures, and the first comprehensive welfare act was passed in Great Britain. Pensions would be provided for the elderly, for their sacrifices and services to the country. Free meals would be provided to school children and subsidized by the government. In addition the government would encourage companies to adopt Fair Wages contracts and Trade Unions would benefit immensely. What William had achieved was truly revolutionary but he felt there was more to be done, and that the battle for a fairer and greater Britain had only just begun

Terror in London!

West End of London,Savile Club
January 4th,1884,Afternoon

It was a grey day in London, not a single ray of sunshine piercing through the thick clouds. Has per British tradition the people would complain of the dreadful weather and the stark dilemma of rather it would rain or not. It was at a gentleman's club where the fabulously wealthy where discussing a cornucopia of topics that day. Respectable men in top hats and suits escaping their wives and enjoying each others company. Bussiness, finance, politics where all fair game has the men discussed their various exploits. Eventually, the dialogue would be dominated by the string of Irish terrorist attacks that gripped London in a state of fear recently.

"Did you hear Wilson of the Irish terrorist attacks in Hackney the other day? Thirty souls killed those Irish are getting madder by the day it seems" Lord Mayweather said smoking a cigar.

"Thank God, Scotland Yard was able to apprehend those fiends! But do you wonder why the Irish are so agitated of late Mayweather? They're still angry over the events of the potato famine that happened more than forty years ago some even believe that the union with Britain must come to an end". Wilson said lighting and puffing his own cigar.

"Yes a bloody shame what occurred all those decades ago, I truly sympathize with the Irish people." Lord Mayweather stated.

"Your not just saying that because you own estates in Leinster now are you?" Wilson said in a dry tone.

"You would accuse me of such a thing!? Honestly, I imagined you thought better of me. In any case, I truly care for the plight of the Irish people, and they deserve better, right now I am pushing legislation in Parliament that would grant them home rule I believe that is the only way this dire state of affairs can be amended."

"Hmm yes let us pray that this Irish Question, is resolved with haste," Wilson said putting out his cigar

Calcutta, Bengal, British India
January 8th, 1884,Afternoon

It was a hot and dusty day in the Crown Jewel colony of India. Sir Harry Osbourne paced the corridors of the Governers Mansion in Calcutta. He represented British rule in India and had overseen its growth in development. Under his watch, the Thugee menace was wiped clean, and numerous infrastructure projects were started yet he was running into financial issues that needed to be resolved.

"Bloody fools how do those damned Liberals in London expect me to maintain control of India when they hold their purses so tightly! They expect me to build a world-class railway system with such measley funds.They say to scale back construction well to hell with them!"

"Sir the representatives of the Red Lion Corporation have arrived" His servant stated

"Excellent let them in."

Two overweight men dressed in elegant suits and tall top hats walked in. They had an air of otherworldliness to them something that could not be readily discerned. Their eyes glistened with a voracious hunger and insatiable ambition.

"Pleased to meet you, gentlemen, would you like some tea?" Mr.Osbourne said shaking both their hands respectfully.

"Of course there's never a time to not have tea," One of the representatives said in a stately tone.

Has the servants served the tea and crumpets the Red Lion representatives got straight to business.

"Yes, Harry we have heard that you are running into financial straits aren't you?

"Indeed the Imperial Railway Company has only agreed to invest two-thirds capital into the infrastructure projects, in this case, and as such, I am in need of substantial funding to achieve my goals," Osbourne said looking slightly nervous.

"To build the greatest railway system India has ever seen Mr.Osbourne?"

"Yes if India is to prosper she needs better infrastructure if new railways were built, and the existing ones modernized our productivity, would increase tenfold."

The two representatives looked at one and another and soon agreed.

"Mr.Osbourne we will invest the full amount of £50,000, for the remaining stake in the railway system, our company believes in the continued success of India, but we must be ensured a slice of the pie and a guarantee of profit."

"Yes, gentlemen this is great news! I promise you won't regret this. The railway system will pay for itself!" Osbourne stated as he exuberantly shook the representative's hands, jolly as can be that India would soon become even more wealthy then it already is.

Hawarden Castle, Flintshire, Wales.
January 10th 1884, Evening

Mr.Gladstone had a dilemma on his hands. After meeting with the Queen, he was exhausted from the trials of London. So he took a retreat to his beloved estate in the lush countryside of Wales. The castle had been in his family name for over 200 years, and he felt at home in the old and sturdy stone walls. It was here a where a man could find peace and solitude away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. William Gladstone was the Prime Minister, at the height of his career. Yet he felt terribly sick and wished to escape it all. He prayed for solace, but no matter how much he prayed, the miracle he sought after would not manifest itself, and the issues that haunted him would simply not go away. Matters of grave importance unsolved since that day his legislation barely passed in Parliament festered like an open wound. Has he sat in his office pondering on what course of action to take a beautiful middle-aged woman walked in with a tray of tea, and biscuits placing them on the desk for him to enjoy.

"Are you, alright love? You seem exhausted" His wife Annabelle asked with a voice has sweet as honey.

"Oh Annabelle it's those pain in the arse politicians damned if I do and damned if I don't! I'm just glad to be back home away from the madness. Now that I'm back here I can finally clear my head"

"It pains me to see you like this William. I do hope things get better. I'm sure that they will." She said with a distressed tone of voice

"Well I won't bother you any longer just come to bed soon alright?" Her eyes sparkled as they longed for each other.

She soon left him to his work. William loved that woman, and it pained him being away from her, but he had a duty to fulfill, as Prime Minister it was up to him to make sure the Empire could navigate the storms that ailed her. Yet he could tell the spark that was their love was slowly fading away. After deep thought and reconciliation, he went back to work writing papers that would be reviewed and discussed once he returned to London.

Diplomancy

FROM: Westminster Palace,London
TO:Pharaohs Cleopatra XI and Shenouta III of Eygpt
Your Royal Highnesses, may this message reach you with haste and may the grace of God shine upon you both. Eygpt and Great Britain have long coexisted in peace and prosperity. It is because of our shared history of the true faith Christianity that we extend a branch of friendship and fraternity between our two nations. We believe that our two great empires stand to benefit from the construction of the Suez Canal. The increased amount of trade will open the gates of commerce and bring forth prosperity for both our nations. That is why we come to you with this proposal. To allow the royally Chartered Suez Company to invest capital in the canal, and aid in its speedy construction. Our engineers and businessmen shall work in conjunction with yours and together this engineering marvel will be built in no time. With this historic deal in place, the canal would sooner pay for itself, and Eygpt and Great Britain will be all the richer for it.

We eagerly await your reply.

Sincerely,

Prime Minister,

Djibouti, Bab-el-Mandeb Straits
January 12th,1884
The British had been in negotiations with the local rulers of Dijibouti for quite some time. Since 1882 various treaties had been signed between the British government and local rulers. In order to gain a foothold in this region, a payment to the tune of £8,515 was gifted to the reigning monarch, Raieta Dini Ahmed who agreed to become a protectorate of Britain and pledged his loyalty to the Crown. In return, the British would provide him and his people protection, and destroy the bandits and pirates that operated in the area.

This was significant, as control of Bab-el-Mandeb would give the British control of one of the most significant trade routes in the world. Soldiers, colonists, and laborers would make a swift migration to the region and lay the foundations for the future city Port of Djibouti.

by **Tejang** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 9:43 pm

Chapter 1: Political Crisis of the Sultanate
March 2, 1884
Riau–Lingga Sultanate

by **Bruke** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 12:03 am

The Royal Palace; Mekelle, Ethiopia

Emperor Yohannes carefully considered what to say as he wrote a letter of vital importance. There was so much he wished to say, but he could only choose a few key points to make, as space was limited.

Should he focus on trade? An alliance? He would touch on all these matters, as time was of the essence.

To the Pharaohs Cleopatra XI and Shenouta III of Egypt, greetings.

I, Yohannes, the Emperor of Ethiopia, am writing to you to express my desire for closer ties between our nations. The bonds that bind our people have withstood the test of time, by the grace of God. A common culture, language, and most importantly, religion have been the basis of our good relations, and it is to that heritage I appeal to in asking for your help.

Foreign powers now eye our lands, coveting what is not their own. The British, in particular, have made great efforts in the region. I am wary of their intentions and suspect they seek to make us their servants.

I propose to you that we create a formal alliance, so that if one of us is attacked, the other will come to his defense. We must prepare ourselves, so that whatever may come, we may stand together.

Additionally, I have sent an envoy to you, who, if you permit, will stay at Memphis, so that there will always be a representative of Ethiopia at your court to know how we may best assist you, and to negotiate an agreement regarding trade.

His Imperial Majesty Yohannes IV, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, King of Zion, King of Kings of Ethiopia and Elect of God

When he was finished, he motioned to the Tsehafi Taezaz (royal recordkeeper and scribe), who took out the Imperial Seal, affixed it to the letter which he then folded up and handed off to a servant to be put in an envelope. A trading vessel would send the letter up the Nile to Egypt.

The national defense

The Emperor also dictated to the Tsehafi Taezaz, issuing an order to the governors of every province: Be mindful of who is coming and going, and keep watch over all foreigners who enter your jurisdiction.

Ras Alula Engida, his most esteemed general, was to gather the army at Mekelle as soon as possible. Nearly 20 years earlier, the British had gifted Yohannes with smooth-bored muskets, along with a battery of mountain guns and mortars. The adventurer John Kirkham had served the Emperor well, training his army in Western practices. While the man himself died almost 10 years earlier, his training was still useful to the Ethiopians. This band of 100,000 warriors was the Emperor's Disciplined Force, the only army that was familiar with Western practices.

The Emperor had enough muskets for a regiment. That would not be sufficient anymore.

by **Absolon-7** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 5:23 pm

Berlin, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire

The great German Empire was ever so slowly awaking from its stupor. Over ten years ago the millennia long division of the German peoples was destroyed and in its place arose a black phoenix. A 10 year plan of standardizing factories and government bureaucracy across the empire's many constituent states had recently finished which would help solidify a foundation for future glory and present stability. Nevertheless, this did not mean that there were no issues at hand. Currently in the Reichstag there was a furious debate on the passing of the "4 Soft Hands Laws" which dealt with aimed to create a national sickness insurance, accident insurance, old age pension, and disability insurance. The laws were formulated by Supreme Chancellor Otto von Bismarck as a way to sway the working classes from supporting the Socialist party and a ploy to show that the government was willing to reduce their hardships. Through his own way Bismarck had made the Conservative Party support the new laws but the Liberal and Centre Parties were against its passing. The debates would rage on for the next week and it would be a hard battle to the top.

Elsewhere in the empire, the bustling port town of Wilhelmshaven held the headquarters for the Kaiserliche Marine. Since the start of the Empire's colonial ventures, a long term goal of the Crown was to construct a navy that could rival that of the British Empire but it would be a long road until it reached that point. In the meantime, the military wharf of each port town were working overtime to finish the construction of 3 armored frigates, 4 armored corvettes, 2 gunboats, and a hospital ship but it would still be a significant time until they were finished. There were also blueprints for a cruiser that would act as the navy's capital ship but it would not even begin construction until the current queue was completed. A major reorganization of the navy was going underway as the start of maintaining and expanding the colonies. The navy would be divided into fleets which would be composed as such:

Coastal Defense Fleet: 7 Armored Frigates, 6 Armored Corvettes, 14 Light Corvettes, 7 Monitors, 3 Avisos, 12 Gunboats, 24 Torpedo Boats
West Africa Response Fleet: 1 Armored Frigate, 6 Light Corvettes, 3 Avisos, 6 Gunboats, 4 Torpedo Boats

Meanwhile in Strausberg, a plan was being formulated in the Imperial Army HQ located in the town for an eventual invasion of the Great African Lakes region but as it was more densely populated than the rest of the Imperial Colonies as well as having more established kingdoms it would have to be a grand plan in order to smoothly. One day it would fall to the Reich but for now its barbarian kingdoms would live in peace.

Lomé, Togoland, The Slave Coast

The port town of Lomé's construction was coming in quite nicely. It would not look out of place in the fatherland at all as traditional German architecture was used for all the buildings. The city was compromised of a combined naval port and military base, a gated community for around 100 colonists, and a district for 2,084 black natives. The colony in general was planned at first to expand northward but the discovery of a vast barbarian kingdom called the Vodun Horde had put a stop to it reluctantly.

Kamerun & Southwest Afirca

In these far off colonies, the gradual germanization of underway as several Lutheran churches were being constructed in order to Christianize the natives. Schools were also set up in major settlements in order to enlighten the native children with German thought and German philosophy so they can better understand their place in the world. Plans for expansion are also in place but all that's left is the allocation of capital and resources to do so.

by **Asardia** » Sat Jun 30, 2018 5:43 pm

Tokyo, Japan

Emperor Meiji sat on his Chrysanthemum Throne in Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, pondering the next move for Japan. It was 16 years after the events of the Meiji Restoration, a revolution in which the Tokugawa Shogunate, who ruled over Japan since the 17th century, would fall. The Shogun, who had total control over Japan lost his power. The Emperor, who once was a figurehead, would obtain absolute authority. Back in 1867, when Emperor Meiji was known as Prince Mutsuhito, his father, Emperor Kōmei, became the emperor. However he died shortly after, which led to 14 year old Prince Mutsuhito rising to the throne. The events of the Meiji Restoration resulted in a turbulent time in Japan. The former Shogunate collapsed, and the Satsuma Domain and Chōshū Domain led the charge during the revolution. The feudal system in place would be abandoned, and the capital city would be moved from Kyoto to Edo, later renamed to Tokyo. The young Emperor Meiji allowed an oligarchy to lead Japan during his first years as emperor, and they worked day and night to modernize and westernize the formerly isolationist Japan. Ever since the American Black Ship Fleet with Matthew Perry arrived in 1854, the Japanese were subject to humiliation, being forced to sign several Unequal Treaties with the Americans and various European Powers. This would be one of the Emperor's main priorities in this new year. It was time to end Japanese subjugation to the West and abolish the repressive Unequal Treaties. Emperor Meiji called a few of his servants and asked them to summon Ito Hirobumi, a statesman of the Chōshū Domain and prime minister. Meiji wanted the statesman to send a letter to the British, Americans, and Germans. The letter would ask the aforementioned countries to end the backwards treaties which didn't benefit Japan at all. Soon, Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi, after receiving word that the Emperor summoned him, left his home and quickly arrived at Tokyo Imperial Palace, awaiting the orders.

"Ohayō gozaimasu," Emperor Meij said to Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi. "I trust you aren't overworking yourself, Prime Minister" he said with a smile.

"Of course not, Your Highness." Hirobumi replied, bowing down.

"Well then, let's get straight to business. I'm sure you're well aware of the so called Unequal Treaties that the West imposed on us, yes?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I was talking with several members of the cabinet about the treaties. We need to see if we can end them, or at least, renegotiate the terms."

"That's why I summoned you, Prime Minister. I want you to send a letter to each nation asking them to remove them."

"It will be done."

Prime Minister Hirobumi returned to his residence and took out a pen. He wrote to the British first.

To: Her Majesty the Queen, and whomever it may concern in the British Empire
From: Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi of the Empire of Japan

Greetings,

The Empire of Japan seeks a positive relationship with the British Empire. However, there are several obstacles blocking the path of this. We write to you in order to inform you of our desire to end the various Unequal Treaties bestowed upon us over the previous decades. The first of which, named the Anglo-Japanese Friendship Treaty, opened the ports of Nagasaki and Hakodate to British vessels, and granted your empire most favoured nation status. The second treaty, the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce, resulted in unfair concessions that took advantage of our people and a weak government. We kindly ask that both of the aforementioned treaties be revoked, or at the very least, renegotiated in order to benefit both sides.

Sincerely,
Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi

by **Bruke** » Sun Jul 01, 2018 10:58 pm

The national defense

Magdala, Ethiopia

The ruins of the large fortress towered over the landscape. It was here, nearly 20 years earlier, where Emperor Tewodros II had made his last stand against the British. It was an effort that was doomed to failed, but it was valiant none the less, and the Ethiopians saw him as a tragic hero.

It was also here at Magdala that Tewodros had created the great mortar called "Sebastopol" lay, half-buried in the ground.

The large artillery piece was never used in battle, and was almost impossible to dislodge from the heights of the mountain. But if the army was to improve, Sebastopol would have to be dug out and repaired.

The Governor, under orders from the Emperor, instructed the local nobles to conscript peasants of the area, as allowed under the courvéé system, to complete the digging out of the mortar and rebuild the fortress.

The Emperor had through his governors given similar orders to the nobles surrounding Amba Alagi, a mountain fortress along the road to Mekelle, the Kundudo, a mountain fortress overlooking the city of Harar, and Amba Aradam, another mountain fortress in the region near Mekelle.

Mekelle, Ethiopia

The Enda Yesus (Church of Jesus) fort was the main point of defense for the capital city. The Emperor tasked his architect, Giacomo Naretti, and his engineer, Engedashet Schimper, with improving the structure and making it better able to withstand bombardments.

by **Novas Arcanum** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 12:15 pm

London, England
March 4th,1884

Prime Minister Gladstone stood in his office looking at a strategic map of the British Empire, smoking a pipe of tobacco. He marveled at how detailed the map was and how far cartographers and explorers had come in mapping the farthest reaches of the world. Has William thought of what course of action to take his eyes steadily drifted to the Carribean and he soon became distracted from the trivialities of the day. Mr.Gladstone would daydream that he was on one of those tropical islands, the azure waters, and sun-drenched beaches in wonderful contrast to the dreadful cloudiness of England. The beaches called forth to him, the scantily dressed women sung his name like sirens in the days of yore beckoning him to flee the stress and hardships of being Prime Minister. To relax and unwind in paradise, with a cool drink in his hand but he was rudely awakened by reality when one of his cabinet members burst into the room with news that had to be dealt with immediately. He went over the papers and was intrigued by the events that had occurred around the world.

Cuba had sent a message asking for assistance. The British Empire hadn't even recognized Cuba, and they were already asking for arms and ammo. It didn't matter the Cubans were desperate to maintain their independence, and there was no guarantee that the Spanish wouldn't return to reconquer their former rebellious colony. Because of that, he would immediately have Great Britain recognize Cuba it was paramount that the New World remained unmolested by European rivals. Free trade was at the heart of the matter, and Old Albion would fight to ensure it's vitality, so Great Britain would gladly provide the weapons and supplies. That is if Cuba could afford them. Maxim guns and martini rifles where fine and dandy but they wouldn't be given out freely.

In the east, a new sun had arisen, in Asia. Japan had asked for an end to the Unequal Treaties forced upon them all those decades ago. William was bemused that the Japanese had the nerve to ask for equal treatment. The Japanese Empire had yet to prove they where a power to be reckoned with. Still, the Japanese could prove to be a useful ally down the road, and a probable check against rivals such as the Germans who sought to expand their empire and influence around the world. So Great Britain would end it's unequal treaties, as a matter of strategic value rather than looking for true friendship. Besides there where those in London who knew that Japan posed no threat to the British Empire, in any shape or capacity. In the meantime, new messages would be written and delivered with haste to the other nations of the world.

Diplomancy

Portsmouth Royal Dockyard
March 8th,1884

Portsmouth England a true gem on the crown of the Empire. Sailors and workers worked endlessly to meet the commands of the navy. The dockyards where full of ships from around the world, and construction was well underway for the brand new Admiral Class Ironclad Battleships. Six new warships where commissioned that would bolster the power of the Royal Navy and ensure her competitiveness. These new ships would pack heavy firepower and have a displacement tonnage of 10,600 long tons. It would take four years for these new ships to be completed, still, when they were completed they would make a fine addition to the Royal Navy.

Lagos Colony,British West Africa
March 10th,1884

It was late at night at when two colonial soldiers were discussing a variety of topics. Colonial holdings in West Africa where proving lucrative, gold, rubber, metal ores, and ivory were plundered and shipped back to Britain, fueling her industries and making her very rich indeed. Tribal nations where subdued for the most part, though tribes such as the Ashanti proved to leave much to be desired. The challenge stood with the Vudon Horde who proved to be a thorn in the side of colonists in the region. Great Britain would prepare a conquest of their land, for Gold, God, and Glory. For now, though the conquest was placed on preliminary hold.

"Good God, those Vudons are savages, it'll be difficult putting them to the sword!"

"Yes, I heard they ate the bloodied hearts of their fallen foes, to gain a portion of their strength."

"You really believe in that tosh, don't you? Eat the hearts of their enemies? Everyone knows they go for the livers and intestines are you really that gullible?"

"Is true my buddy and his comrades had skirmished with them in the jungles saw one of the warriors kill his mate and sliced his heart out with some tribal knife then and there ate it raw! Was bloody mad it was!"

"Hmm whatever the case I can't wait to put these barbarians down and return home to my love Mary in England, the sooner we conquer these lands the better, an expedition will be sent pretty soon as our forces mobilize, I know we'll be victorious after all they have spears and shields and we have the maxim gun!"

by **Greater Slavic Union** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 3:08 pm

Warsaw, Western Slavic Kingdom
7 March, 1884

Standing by the Warsaw Barbican, Bohdan was wondering if he had properly polished his weapon and if he was impeccably ready for whatever sort of inspection that may have occurred once he got back from his guard duty to his dormitory; such events happened very often in the Royal Western Slavic Army, and Bohdan did not want to get into trouble once again, after the punishment he had received from his commanding officer the day prior for not having kept the rifle clean enough to be in compliance with the Army's standards, as it was common practice to do so.

In 1880, in fact, the Army Improvement Commision had published a new Field Manual, in which the necessity to maintain the equipment clean was underlined even more than previously, effectively authorizing the officers to punish soldiers who would not properly maintain their equipment.

Still standing by the Barbican, Bohdan waited for what seemed like endless hours for his turn to end, staying still for a few moments, then walking to a new position, then stopping to stand still once again. He repeated this machine-like motion over and over again. He was no experienced soldier, Bohdan, but he was a very diligent one nonetheless, even with his few flaws and his occasional errors. This is why, when he was reached by his commanding officer outside the Barbican, he felt something very, very unusual was coming: the commanding officers, at least his ones, never inspected their troops during guard duty...

Bohdan performed the military salute as his Corporal, Artur Jankowski, approached him and opened his red coat, taking a sealed envelope out of it.

"Don't worry, Bohdan, it's not the time for formalities, now."

"As you want, Sir. May I ask You a question?"

"Sure, private, go on."

"Why have you come here, Sir. It's the first time You've not done so in quite a while."

"Yes indeed, Bohdan, it's been a while since I've last done so. And this should be an indicator of how important a thing it is that we have to talk about."

"Is it about my behaviour, Sir?"

"No. You are a Private first class, Bohdan, you are quite a good soldier for your young age, and that's... well, that's remarkable. Now, the thing is that we have a new assignment for our unit."

"Sir?"

"Yes. We will have to relocate to Ukraine, as will the whole division. It seems like the King is going to start a war, maybe against those to the East, maybe against Romania, who knows?"

"Oh, is it?"

"It may be. Now, get back to your dormitory and tell the other soldiers we will have to relocate and that they should prepare to do so."

"Sir, yes, sir."

"Good to know you're as enthusiastic as I am about this, private. Glory to the King!" said Artur, saluting the soldier and then shaking his hand before leaving.

Bohdan replied by utilising the same sentence as his commanding officer: "Glory to the King!" He was then left in front of the Barbican, alone. He glanced at the surrounding environment, looking for anybody who could be looking at him in a suspicious fashion. As soon as he was sure that nobody was doing so, Bohdan moved away from the Barbican and started walking towards the tram tracks, ready to go to his home, then to the regimental camp just outside of Warsaw.

He got on the tram and stood there, waiting for it to reach the one stop he was interested in. He was a regular soldier, and, as all regular soldiers, he lived in his regiment's camp, but he did have a wife and a child, two people who were reliant on him and who usually lived without him nonetheless, the husband and the father of the family. However, he was usually allowed one day per week to stay with his family, usually on Sunday or Monday.

Agnieška, his wife, was a young, nice woman of petite stature, whose long, brown hair and whose deep, green eyes had one day made Bohdan fall in love with her. Bohdan passed his hand in his blond hair and sighed. He had not seen her for days, and now he was going to ask her to leave their house and follow him south, towards Romania.

The tram finally arrived at the stop at which the 26-year-old man had to get down, and so he did. He then walked towards the pavement, later waiting for the traffic lights to allow him to cross the street. As soon as he could, he did so and then walked towards the building in which they lived. He then entered the building and set to speak with his wife.

Warsaw, Western Slavic Kingdom
9 March, 1884

A letter was sent to the German Kaiser.

To: His Royal Highness, the German Emperor Wilhelm I Hohenzollern
From: His Royal Highness, the Western Slavic King Michał Jaromír I Mąwrowski, in the person of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Most Honourable Emperor,

I write to You today in hope of renewing the old alliance that bonds our Countries together. The times when the Western Slavic Kingdom and the Kingdom of Prussia were bitter enemies and fought each other on the fields of battle are long gone, and the renewal of the Treaty of Prague would be beneficial to both.
I am completely sure You remember the provisions of the Treaty of Prague (military assistance from one Country to the other in case of war, either offensive or defensive, favourable treatment with regards to trade, etcetera), and I am also sure You agree on renewing it.
I shall, therefore, ask Your Highness to consider the renewal of the Treaty, and furthermore ask You an opinion on a possible invasion of Romania.

Most Sincerely,
The Western Slavic King,
Michał Jaromír I Mąwrowski

Age of Imperialism: A Colonization RP Reboot (IC, Open)

Age of Imperialism: A Colonization RP Reboot (IC, Open)

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