Whither Spain? An EU2 story.

[lord of the mark]

Don Enrique de la Frontera, (also called Don de la Frontera, or DDLF)(1) was Charles I's regent in Spain (although the lands of Aragon objected to sharing a regent with Castille, they had not rebelled since the ascent of Charles). While Charles' prolonged absence from the kingdom was a matter of some discontent, it was undoubtedly associated with Austrias many wars, and its growing power. (2) For Don Enrique, it was the chance to run the increasingly centralized Spanish state. But to what end? The Council of State was debating that, one chilly November day in 1540, at the palace in Toledo (not Madrid, please, Paradox)

More to come.


(1) Frontera = Frontier = March = Mark. Get it?
(2) Charles absence from Spain is historical, and this explains the game situation where you play as Spain but not Austria, even though you share a monarch.

[lord of the mark]

"My lord regent", began Juan Velazquez, Archbishop of Toledo. "News comes daily from the north of the spread of the heresy begun by that worthless monk of Wittenberg. For twenty years it has spread and we have averted our eyes, hoping it would be stopped by local authority, as other heresies have in the past(1). Yet it has not, it has corrupted and taken over local authority, and a few years ago even so mighty a kingdom as England betrayed the true and universal church. Our soveriegn, the glorious Charles, is struggling with it in the Empire, yet we go not to his aid. When, my lord, shall we go?"

Don Enrique listened, and nodded. He then turned and recognized the young Duke of Sedonia.

"What his grace the Archbishop says is true, my lord, and yet there is much to this matter beyond his graces words. The arms of Spain have not been idle these last two decades. Rather they have struck for Spain and for Christ, in the lands beyond the sea. Roanoke, Savannah, Cuba, Jalisco, Yucatan, Cajamarca do these mean nothing? We have destroyed heathen kingdoms, planted churches, and brought the gospel to savages in city and forest. We have brought more souls to Christ than this Luther has turned from Mother Church. And yes, we have gained wealth and power, but is that to be denigrated? With all due honor to his majesty this struggle in Europe is not for a day. It took four hundred years to destroy the power of the Moorish infidel in our land - it was only finally crushed in the 1420's under King Juan(2). If as seems likely, heresy has gained a base in the north, we will need the gold and other wealth of America to defeat it. Even now our forces are at war in a place called Peru, and we must put our all into this noble crusade"

With growing anger the Archbishop rose "My lord, we may perhaps strike at the heretics BEFORE they grow strong. Can we rely on the Austrians to act for us? And what will they think of Spain if we do so? And besides the heretics, is there not also the threat of the Turks - who wish, without a doubt, to again try to assault Italy?"

"The Venetians have the Turks well in hand"

"They could use our help"

"Ha, they would turn on us as soon as they could, it is them we must be careful of - we must not strengthen Venice!!!"

"So!!! You would see Christians defeated by Moors, for the sake of your powermongering schemes?"

"By Christs blood, I have tasted battle against the heathens, while you sat in your cathedral and partook of feasts - were you not a priest I would take no such insults!!!!"(3)

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, we are brothers, are we not?" interjected the Don de la Frontera. We all want what is good for Spain AND for God's holy church. You have both said much that is useful for me to know, and I will consider your words carefully. But now let us adjourn, and dine, and let a new day perhaps give us new wisdom.(4)

(1) heresy was far from unknown in medieval Europe, but with exceptions like the Albigensians and Hussites, it was localized and put down by local authorities. The Archbishop is noting how Lutheranism is different.
(2) Of course in OTL (original time line) the reconquista was not completed till 1492 by Ferdinand and Isabella. This is the initial POD (point of divergence) for this timeline.
(3)The Duke would of course challenge anyone who insulted him to a duel. Since a priest can't duel, the insult from the Archbishop is particulalry galling.
(4) The DDLF dislikes namecalling and pointless squabbling, and prefers to reconcile different points of view.

[lord of the mark]

The regent announced his decision the next day. For the duration of the war in Peru, Spain would attempt to maintain peaceful relations in Europe, while sending his majesty expressions of support (IE as little money as possible) in his struggle in the empire, and and wishing Venice well in its defense against the Turks. (1) Charles was certainly displeased, but was not prepared to address the Spanish problem now. The Archbishop of Toledo was placed in charge of the missionizing efforts in Mexico and the Cherokee lands (it was whispered by some that the failure of the missions in Saltillo was due to his siphoning off of funds) While claiming that all resources were needed for the struggle to bring the gospel to the Inca peoples of Peru, Don Enrique was quietly planning on other developments as well - especially continued colonization efforts in Carolina and the Caribbean, administrative buildup in Mexico, and the possibility of industrial development in the lands of the crown of Aragon.

(1) Its was not uncommon for one part of Charles' "empire" to put its own interest above others. Each considered itself independent, and the sharing of a monarch as a mere coincidence. The amount Charles could extract for common military endeavours depended on the constitutional situation in each kingdom - IIRC, most in Castille, least in Aragon, intermediate in Italy. Taxes in Germany(HRE) could be used for defense against the Turk, and against heretics in Germany, but not necessarily elsewhere.

[Micha]

Most ecxellent AAR, lotm!

Will we hear something of the explorers?
What´s your policy regarding Portugal?
Will Italy join the Iberian Union?

Looking forward to the continuation
- Micha

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Micha
Most ecxellent AAR, lotm!

Will we hear something of the explorers?
What´s your policy regarding Portugal?
Will Italy join the Iberian Union?

Looking forward to the continuation
- Micha

1. If spain gets back to seriously exploring. Cortes AND Pizzaro were both involved in the war with Peru, and both died around 1540. The Arizona and California were explored in the 1540s, but for the most part conquistadores have been used in war or colonization. Spain hasnt had a naval explorerer in a while.

2. We have maintained an alliance with Portugal for decades, although we have NOT invited them into our colonial wars (nor have they invited Spain into theirs) The alliance remains at the core of our European policy.

3. While we continue to develop Sicily and Sardinia, the mainland of Italy is dominated by Venice, Austria, Genoa and the Papal States. We are traditionally friendly to Genoa. We have not seen a way to break into the peninsula diplomatically, beyond maintaining decent relations with all concerned.

[Dinner]

Good job.

We need more AARs so maybe I can come up with an off beat one. I already did half of an Ethiopian AAR but that game just started to bore me and I gave it up. The AI never attacks Ethiopia even when you've conquored Sudan, Egypt, and all the way down to Zimbabwe. I could try some sort od different nonwestern country though. Maybe the Manchus, the tiny Hindu Vietnamese kingdom, or one of the Indian minors.

[lord of the mark]

Spring 1556. Toledo, Spain

"Sire, I wish to offer my joy and delight at your coronation, and to offer my sword to you as a willing soldier in your service"

"Rise from your knees, Don Enrique" Phillip said with a sigh. "I've had as much ceremonial speech in the last week as any human being should be subject to. And IF I didnt want to retain you in my service, this kind of thing wouldnt help."

"Your Majesty ..." stammered Don Enrique, Don de la Frontera.

"You should already know from our past interactions, Don Enrique, that what I want from you first is your silence - I will listen, but at my own time"

DDLF nodded in silence.

"I have not ignored you, when I was at my fathers side in Italy and in Flanders. Even had I not intuited my fathers plans, my love for Spain would have kept my eye focused on what you have been doing. Now that he has abdicated, and I am king, I wish to review your actions, and discuss future plans"

Hesitantly, DDLF opened his mouth "Sire, you still require my counsel?"

Phillip, normally dour, laughed at this. "Yes, Don Enrique. You shall no longer bear the burden of executive responsbility, but your thoughts and advice will still be of use to me."

He went on "during the early years of your regency, you acted brilliantly - the conquest of Mexico and much of North America are deeds that will resonate to the glory of Spain for all time. However it is your actions since 1540 that require explanation.

In 1540 you opposed Spanish intervention in central Europe, and persisted with your war in Peru, which dragged on for another six years before it failed. For the next 6 years, you left Peru at peace, and yet did nothing in Europe. And now you are at war with Peru AGAIN. You seem a stubborn man, Don Enrique. In that you are much like me - but perhaps I need advisors who are more flexible, more willing to learn from mistakes, to balance my own inclinations. And now I have inherited not just the lands of the crowns of Castille, Leon, and Aragon, but also Lombardy and Mantua, and Flanders and Brabant. Indeed I inherit Burgundian claims to the rest of the low countries, now held by Gelre, and to Franche Comte, held by Helvetia. And both those powers, I note, tolerate the new Calvinist heresy. I would like to see the destruction of both. And ultimately deal with England, that nest of heresy. Yet you have argued, persuasively, i might add, for leaving heresy alone in Europe - and yet heresy has grown. How do you explain yourself?"

[lord of the mark]

"Sire, I thank your majesty for the opportunity to explain my actions.


"When we went to war with the Inca Empire, with Peru, our leaders were Hernan de Cortes and Francisco Pizzaro, men of excellence, whose knowledge of American matters, of military affairs, and whose undaunted courage made them well nigh irreplaceable. By a stroke of misfortune, they both died in 1540 in Peru, to our grief. We still made progress in the war, but at great cost - rebellions among the subjects, exhausted by war, broke out in Bearn, in Sardinia, and most especially in the heathen provinces of America. Meanwhile war had delayed reform in our army which was falling behind Europe, especially France and Austria.(1) Our administrative development was delayed. So it seemed clear a breather was needed by this kingdom. It took time to beat the stubborn heathen enough to see reason. The final treaty, which ceded us 3 provinces and the entire Inca treasury, was, if not a great victory, certainly no failure.

Once peace was reached, and the rebellions suppressed, we proceeded to the development of the kingdom. I know you are aware of some of this, but I will fill you in on some details.

We expanded the tax collection system to the wealthier new world provinces, increasing royal revenues. Here in Spain, we have created a new system of royal courts -that has been established in the largest provinces in both the crowns of Castille and Aragon"

"That was a neat trick Don Enrique, getting the lands of Aragon to accept a common administration with Castille"(2)

"Thank you your majesty - that has always been the guiding vision of my regency, to press for governmental centralization, even when this cost short term instability and rebellion. We have done this in the face of war, and of the inevitiable decentralization that has come with the new conquests, but it has been my goal to continue on this path"

"Very well, go on - you spoke of courts"

"Yes, your majesty. The next step administratively is to consolidate provincial governance under a system of governors who will be centrally appointed, and will rotate after a term of years, and who will coordinate taxes, justice, and local services"

"like the intendants of France?"(3)

"More or less your majesty, although we will attempt to follow Spanish legal precedents. That is what my staff is currently researching - again, no easy feat as we attempt to do design it so that it will meet our administrive needs without doing more than necessary violence to all the local traditions"(4)

"Including in the lands of Aragon?"

"Yes, including in the lands of Aragon."

"How long?"

Don Enrique frowned. "At this point at least 20 years till we appoint the first governor. It could be accelerated with more money though"



"And where might you get more money, my lord?"

"We expect the new tax collecting system to bring in more money from America. Trade continues to grow in Seville, and in America, and we tax that. Our specie shipments from America grow, but that has created inflation. And we expect to improve the efficiency of the American provinces as the heathen become Christians, and fit better into our social system, and become less rebellious"

(1) We were at like 5, while France was at 11.
(2) Indeed, Aragon and Catalonia jealously guarded their independence throught the 16th and 17th century, not losing it till the Bourbon inheritance. In this TL Don Enrique has managed to overcome this by his commitment to moving the "centralization slider" to the right, and his good management of "stability hits". I would suggest for a Spain being played as decentralized, RP would require a house rule of keeping Aragon administratively distinct from Castille.
(3) actually I think we might be a tad early for intendants in France, at least in OTL.
(4) IIUC, this is what central administrators spent a lot of time doing, at least in places like France that were commited to advancing centralization. Seems a good real world interpretation of the game mechanic of investments in "infrastructure technology"

[lord of the mark]

" Yes, Don Enrique, I have noted your progress in the conversion of the heathen. It has gone better in recent years, has it not?"

"Yes, your majesty. It has improved since we assigned that task to the Franciscan order"(1)

"It had previously been run by the Archbishop of Toledo, no? There were problems then? And then the Archbishop died of a stomach ailment, did he not? He had never suffered from stomach ailments before if I remember correctly. Odd." (2)

Quietly, Don Enrique responded "Perhaps it is as the common people say - he was stealing funds meant for the holy church, and was striken down by God for his sins"(3)

"Ah" smiled King Phillip. "The common people. Wherever DO they get such ideas? There is more to you then meets the eye, Don Enrique" (4)


(1) IIRC there were changes from time to time in OTL in which part of the Spanish church was responsible for missions. The Franciscans eventually getting California. I think the OTL history is much more complex on this than I have shown.
(2) King Phillip II ain't a doctor, but one thing he ISN'T is naive.
(3) In this instance, had the good Archbishop employed a food taster, the workings of God's providence might have been delayed.
(4) Indeed, there is.

[lord of the mark]

"The military improvements have gone well, your majesty. We have improved the army's organization, learned to make arquebuses and siege cannon, and trained the army in new tactics to take advantage of the new weapons. (1) We now have a respectable European army, though we have a way to go to catch up to France and Austria (2)

We are using the new arms and tactic in the current war with the Inca, which is going more rapidly as a result. We have three of their strong places under siege. While it is true they have an army of almost 40,000 just to the south, our troops can gather and hold them off if they attempt to relieve any of the sieges. Meanwhile we have further armies on the way, that should put us in a good situation to defeat the main Inca army.

Meanwhile we can quickly get into position to at least defend your majesty's Italian and Burgundian inheritances. We have a military access agreement with Genoa which will ease troop movement to Lombardy. We can reach Flanders by sea, and our naval position is strong."

"And what then Don Enrique, what do we do AFTER the Inca war is over. I think we need to address the priorities of war in Europe, whom to attack when, and how. Im not sure what you would call such a plan, Don"

"Grand Strategy, your majesty?"

"Yes, that will do. We need a grand strategy for Phillip II."(3)



(1) That is we've reached tech 9
(2) They're at tech 12
(3)http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...90325?v=glance

[Micha]

[OOC]You´re sieging the natives? Assault their fortresses, you won´t lose many soldiers and you´ll need about four days per province [/OOC]

I´d advise you to turn on Italy first. The Netherlands will be a real pain to keep, while Italy is right inside your sphere of influence...

[Dinner]

Yeah, Spain gets some free land in Italy so it will be easy to build up there plus the northern half of Italy is pretty rich.

[lord of the mark]

summer, 1559, Toledo.

Present: Don Enrique, special counselor to the king. (DDLF)
Duke of Sidonia, Chief Constable of Castille
Don Gonzago, Aide to the Duke of Sidonia


DDLF to Duke: Francis, its so good to see you again - you're back from Roussilon - is the army ready to take on the rebels in Bearn?
Duke: Yes, Enrique, it wont be easy, but the siege will be broken, i have no doubt.
DDLF: Good. I dont fear all these rebellions. The forces in Mexico will deal with the rebellion there, and then we only have the one left in Chimu. I see no reason to settle for anything less than full conquest of Peru - we can handle the rebellions.
Duke: Enrique, my aide, Don Gonzago, has some ideas that he thinks will shorten the war against Peru.
DDLF: Very well, speak up, Don Gonzago
Don Gon: My lord, as you know we have instituted new tactics and procedures in the army, these last 10 years.
DDLF: yes, that has gone well, and we now see the fruit
Don Gon: There is one new approach to war we have not yet used. That is to use our new infantry tactics and discipline to directly assault a besieged city. I suggest we try that in Peru.
DDLF:I have heard of such techniques, but is it not costly of mens lives? Spain has manpower in reserve, but to use the money to train them would detract from everything else we wish to do - and we cant afford to diminish the army, not with things in Europe heating up.
Don Gon: Those great costs are when launching an assault against a well fortified city, manned by strong forces. The cities in Peru are barely fortified, and our infantry is much better trained then the primitive heathen. I think casualties need not be that high.
DDDLF: Is it not true that our sieging armies include many cavalry, and these are not suitable
Duke: It is true, Enrique, but we have been bringing more infantry down as the war has settled into sieges. While it will be difficult reorganizing the besieging forces, the situation is doable.
DDLF: I would advise that we start with one of the cities, and attempt this new tactic. Where would be suitable, Francis?
Duke: Potosi is not heavily manned, and our forces there would be well able to manage this.
DDLF: I agree.
Duke: Good. While I could have ordered this on my own authority, I wanted to discuss it with you, as you have had such a huge role in all the army reforms and improvements.
DDLF: Vaya con dios, my friend.

[Micha]

[lord of the mark]

Grand Strategy of Phillip II

Late summer, 1559. The Royal Palace, Toledo.

Present:
King Phillip the Second
Don Enrique, Don de la Frontera, Special counsel to the king.

DDLF: Your majesty, with victory within sight in Peru, we should begin planning for European expansion.

King: At last, Don Enrique. I am glad to hear of victory in Peru, and that we are at last turning to the problem of heresy in Europe. Why these blasphemous Calvinists are even a problem in Bearn - we must crush them, and then destroy their inciters in the low countries.

DDLF: Ah, sire, of course we shall be dealing with Bearn. Even as we speak an army marches there, and yes, we shall follow that up with a mission to restore them to the Universal Catholic Church. However I do not think Gelre should be our priority.

Phillip, angry: NO? What should be then, if not that swamp of heresy?

DDLF: Italy, your majesty. It is closer, and easier to bring troops too. It is richer, and being Catholic, will be easier to control and extract revenues from. After we have consolidated our position there we can then turn north. As for Gelre, the situation there is confused. While the people are mainly Calvinist, the government is Lutheran. I suspect that will lead to instability, which we may yet take advantage of.

King: Well, I am not so well versed in the varieties of heresy. I just wish to see it crushed, and not to constantly defer that happy event. But I can respond to you on the question of "grand strategy". Italy will not be so easy as you say - you omit the question of diplomacy, and alliances - this grand strategy you speak of is not all armies and ducats, I think. Where would we expand in Italy? Italy, apart from my own lands, is subject, either directly or via vassalage, to the Pope, and the two Republics - Genoa and Venice. Genoa, though not our ally, is our old friend, and the path by which we reach our Italian possesions from the sea. I would be loathe to turn them aside. I do hope you are not suggesting we take on the Papal States. Venice is a power many here have spoken against - they are not friendly to Spanish interests it is said, and they have done nothing against the heretics themselves - indeed they are now at war with the Papal States, and we could, I suppose, attempt to join that war. On the other hand, I cannot forget that they are still the guard at Europes door against the Turk - while the Turks are weakened now, i fear complacency about them. Attack Gelre, however, and it fits all our diplomatic needs, and gives us an expanded base for dealing with England, and her newly risen bastard-queen.