2 Chapter 16

Chapter 16 - 1700 to 1725: A Century of Woes

In Delaware, the capital of the Thirteen Colonies of Britain, Moosemac Swithelm sleeps. He gained popularity only recently due to his anti crown sentiments, and his speeches condemning the interference of British officials in what he called 'American' matters spoke to many who share his ill feelings. Upon hearing of this troublemaker, Must Love Cats send a messenger to Governor Denis of the Thirteen Colonies, demanding that Swifthelm be hanged. Must Love Cats and his offices disregarded the Empress' orders completely and made the devious man General of all colonial forces.

Soon after gaining the title, Swifthelm proved his utter brilliance as a commander through contact with invading natives and with subduing already conquered lands. Must Love Cats knows that, if left in impunity, the continued existence of this man could spell trouble for the future of the colonies.

What with the publications of many enlightenment thinkers, such as Hobbes, Locke, and Mary Astell, colonies and people alike all over Europe and the New World are changing the way they think. In 1701, De Nederlandse Antillen fails in her own bid for independence, mainly due to Haiti's siding with the Netherlands. Every colony, from the small New Galicia to the colossal Brazil, has a growing independence movement, inspire, many say, by the success of Haiti, which has recently become an imperial power by colonizing parts of West Africa.

As the 18th century begins, Britain sees more and more problems in her colonies. Not all are from within, some are from competing nations' colonies. The most troublesome in America is the Dutch Canadian colony. It is a fairly new one with very little self government, covering most of Acadia. They do not border any British lands yet, but their rate of expansion is alarming at the least. Already Dutch explorers and British colonists have clashed in at least one case, and trade and alliance with the natives is disputed at every turn.

But before any war can be considered, the Teutonic Order invades Aquitaine in 1703. It gives no reason for doing so, and the weak Aquitainians call for their largest ally to help. Britain answers the call.

It looks like another war like the 6 Years War has just begun. But the objective, Aquitaine, is in a much less defensible position. This is the first true war with global theaters. To prove his worth, Swifthelm leads the Colonial army of 25 thousand into Castilian Colony of Adentria (Louisiana).

The first battle in Brittany is a defeat for the British, and they retreat to Morbihan.

After another defeat in Finishire, Must Love Cats orders a withdrawal of all troops. Most make it back to Britain, as the military leaders rethink their strategy.

Regardless of land defeats, Britain has sea superiority, and several Teutonic fleets are decimated by the British Royal Fleet.

Galicia folds to Castilian and Teutonic armies in May of 1705. It gives up most of its lands in the process. In the meanwhile, Aquitaine has lost half of its land to foreign occupation, Brittany is completely taken, and Denmark is on the defensive.

The new British armies are landed in Denmark in 1706, determined to defend the only ally left on their feet. Across the straits of Oresund mills a total of 300 thousand enemy troops, 3 times the number of British and Danish troops.

The war is over in 1707. It was short and brutal, and the victors spare next to nothing in dividing up Aquitaine. Between the 3 neighbors of Aquitaine, France, the Teutons, and Picardy, only Provence is left in Aquitaine hands. The once powerful successor to France is now a mere state.

In the face of the world, Britain looks weaker than ever, despite boasting the world's second largest army. The main reason for failure was, while Carinthia, Picardy, and France all have their armies (and Carinthia has a massive one) in Europe, Britain's is spread out all over the world. The world may be nearing the point where Britain plays little part in mainland European politics.

In wake of the defeat, Governor Ryudrago Ederne of the Thirteen Colonies denounces Britain, saying that the Empire is no longer to defend her allies. In response, Must Love Cats, angered by the continual disobedience, fires Ederne and replaces him with what she sees as a 'safe choice,' a Bureaucrat named Mcrone The Number 9. In addition, she raises tariffs on the colony.

In 1712, the sensational leader of De Nederlandse Antillen, Hans Van Bronkhorst, leads his nation to independence from the weakened Netherlands.

In the same year, Delhi declares war on Sind, and Britain answers the call. This brings Britain into engagement with Karnata as well.

The war is immediately in British and allied favor. The British Indian Fleet is quick to devastate the enemy navy, despite being outnumbered.

Very quickly south Karnata is occupied by Britain. And in 1715 the war is over. Britain is awarded the province of Kongu and a small amount of gold.

on April 20th, 1716, Must Love Cats dies. Her son Dude Man takes the throne. Although a worthy general and fine diplomat, the new Emperor lacks any knowledge at all in the ways of administration. His eldest child Blitz the Dragon	is the heir of Britain.

Later that year the Netherlands annexes the small tribe of Ottawa, bringing them in direct contact with Radekzia. Determined to show that he too can fight wars, Dude Man declares war on the Netherlands.

Within weeks the capital of the Netherlands is captured. It seems the nation has no army to speak of, and the Brits just occupy province after province.

The war is over soon after that. All Dutch land in North America is given to Britain, which in turn is assigned to Radekzia.

In 1721, New Galicia declares independence, with the support of Castile. An independent nation so close to the rebellious Thirteen Colonies is not desirable, so the Emperor comes to his ally's aid.

Soon after the war with New Galicia begins, the Teutonic Order declares war on the Empire! Once again the Empire is at war with the most powerful nations of Europe.

When asked what they desire, the Teutons state they are after the British colony of Sao Tome. A small colony off the coast of Guinea, it was one of the first British colonies, meant to be a stopping point on the way to South Africa and India.

Much to the displeasure of the Galician allies, British General Dunaden seizes the New Galician colony of Pensacola and declares it British territory. It was at one time a Haitian colony, but it was abandoned a little while after its founding.

Once again Britain succeeds in controlling the seas, sinking many Picardian and Teutonic vessels, but failing utterly in mainland Europe.

The war with New Galicia ends in 1723, but the Teutonic British war still rages on. More and more enemy ships are sunk, but still more are brought in from the vast colonial empire in South America.

By 1725, Galicia and Aquitaine have withdrawn from the war, Denmark is in its old defensive position, and Brittany is fully occupied. Yet the British Navy makes sure the war goes on. By this point nearly a hundred enemy ships have been sunk, sending tens of thousands of sailors and soldiers intent on landing in Britain to the bottom of the sea.

In 1725, it is obvious that no one is making headway: the Teutons and allies cannot invade Britain (they can barely set sail outside their harbors), and Britain and Denmark cannot invade Europe. A white peace is made on July 3rd.

The wars do much to increase the prestige of the Empire. It does nothing, however, to stifle the cries for independence coming from the Thirteen Colonies. In fact, many contribute the colony's leader, Necro Creature Walburg, to the success of the New Galician War. He is a fine governor as well as an excellent military leader who led by Colonial and British troops in battle. Other than that, the total population of the colonies is near reaching 2 million citizens.

As the independence movement strengthens, Dude Man's only response is tighter crown control: tariffs are raised and the British Colonial Army is put on high alert for any dissidence.

Just 25 years before, Britain had seemed the height of its power. Now, trade has fallen 20%, inflation and prices are up, and all the Empire's allies are in a state of decay. The 18th Century has begun as a century of woes. The age of Britain appears to be coming to an end.