Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Feb 15, 2015 23:57:01 GMT
Another eventful year passed in 17th century Europe. In this year the Franco-Dutch war, which began after the attack on Calais prompted by suspicions of French aggression against the Dutch and the English, is in full swing, with French troops literally knocking on the doors of the Dutch Republic. However, the Dutch blockades of Biscay, and the Comorin Coast in India, alongside the destruction of Calais are starting to deal serious damage. In the Comorin Cape, local Rajas are licking their lips, wondering how long the colonists can last without their European gold. France is also in the middle of a escalating dispute with Sweden over compensation for ships lost in the attack on Calais. In what could be considered a diplomatic coup, the Dutch Republic bypassed France and offered to fully compensate the Swedes for damages, and in doing so burnt any remaining bridge between France and their former Swedish allies.
Meanwhile, in the Holy Roman Empire, Emperor Leopold conducts a marathon tour of his client provinces (which proved a nightmare for his events organisers) in order to properly gauge the concerns and aspirations of the Electors. His tour is blackened though, by the Swedish King who has raised the toll for Brandenburgers using the river Oder to transport their trade goods. This of course, damages the overall trade income for the Empire. Leopold finally spoke out on the Palatinate succession, but his answer to the crisis was shocking to all parties. Leopold himself would take lead in the Palatinate. Although France has not spoken out, Philip, Duke of Orleans, brother of Louis XIV, is said to be in a state of considerable rage due to his wife missing out on the succession. Similarly, the Duke of Brunswick, whose wife is Sofia of the Palatinate - the alternative successor, is also said to be angered.
Poland has begun annexing the Cossack state of Zaphrozie, long considered their vassal. However, many in Zaphrozie consider Russia to be their allegiance holder and tensions increase between the majority Orthodox population and the Catholic majority Commonwealth. Also in the East, Russia and the Ottoman Turks have been grappling for control over the Caucasus, with the Ottomans emerging as the clear victors in an epic feat of diplomacy and conflict. The Safavid Empire, however, has also emerged with increased power in the region as their support for the Shamkhalate of Tarki finally brings an end to Civil war in Gazikumukh.
So ends 1686, I suspect we head into a very tumultuous year.
Territorial Changes:
Zaphrozie is annexed by Poland-Lithuania;
New England expands into unoccupied tribal land, increased income for England;
Swedish settlers start colonising part of the Argentine and Texas Coastlines;
The Kingdom of Imereti in annexed by the Ottoman Empire;
Circassia has agreed to a vassalisation offer from the Ottomans;
Gazikumukh, controlled by the Shamkhalate of Tarki, becomes a Safavid vassal.
Meanwhile, in the Holy Roman Empire, Emperor Leopold conducts a marathon tour of his client provinces (which proved a nightmare for his events organisers) in order to properly gauge the concerns and aspirations of the Electors. His tour is blackened though, by the Swedish King who has raised the toll for Brandenburgers using the river Oder to transport their trade goods. This of course, damages the overall trade income for the Empire. Leopold finally spoke out on the Palatinate succession, but his answer to the crisis was shocking to all parties. Leopold himself would take lead in the Palatinate. Although France has not spoken out, Philip, Duke of Orleans, brother of Louis XIV, is said to be in a state of considerable rage due to his wife missing out on the succession. Similarly, the Duke of Brunswick, whose wife is Sofia of the Palatinate - the alternative successor, is also said to be angered.
Poland has begun annexing the Cossack state of Zaphrozie, long considered their vassal. However, many in Zaphrozie consider Russia to be their allegiance holder and tensions increase between the majority Orthodox population and the Catholic majority Commonwealth. Also in the East, Russia and the Ottoman Turks have been grappling for control over the Caucasus, with the Ottomans emerging as the clear victors in an epic feat of diplomacy and conflict. The Safavid Empire, however, has also emerged with increased power in the region as their support for the Shamkhalate of Tarki finally brings an end to Civil war in Gazikumukh.
So ends 1686, I suspect we head into a very tumultuous year.
Territorial Changes:
Zaphrozie is annexed by Poland-Lithuania;
New England expands into unoccupied tribal land, increased income for England;
Swedish settlers start colonising part of the Argentine and Texas Coastlines;
The Kingdom of Imereti in annexed by the Ottoman Empire;
Circassia has agreed to a vassalisation offer from the Ottomans;
Gazikumukh, controlled by the Shamkhalate of Tarki, becomes a Safavid vassal.