2 Chapter 13

Chapter 13 - 1616 to 1640: The Age of Colonization

The Parliament agrees to punishing only the obvious conspirators. The Tolerance act was, after all, enacted to stop this sort of generalization. As the news is announced (and as Guy Fawkes swings), Protestants throughout the nation cry in protest. To them, it is obvious that, while this may have been planned and attempted by a select few, it was a plot most Catholics would fully endorse. Why should they too not be punished?

The Empress Radekza, in response to the outbursts from unsettled protestants, spends considerable time and effort easing the tension, and eventually the situation normalizes.

In August of 1617, an heir is born to Radekza, named Dohaeris. Given Radekza's rather venerable age of 45, people are quite surprised at the birth of an heir.

In Europe, peace reigns supreme. Several big players are coming forth: Russia, once a patchwork of post-Mongol nations, is now a unified administrative empire, commanding more troops than any nation on earth, and twice as many as the British Empire. The next two on the list behind Russia and Britain are Carinthia and Hungary. Carinthia has been growing in power for many years, and it now surrounds the Italian peninsula. If you want to leave Italy, you have to go through Carinthia. Hungary was fairly static for many years, other than its gaining of Sicily. It has been conquering lands to its south, as well as further lands in Italy, in recent years. Finally, there is Eretna, the Turkish nation of Anatolia, Successor to the Byzantines. While a fairly powerful enemy, the Eretnids do not pose a direct threat to Europe, what with Hungary in its way.

What with the early successes of the colonies, the Parliament begins debating the issue of Charter Colonies. Radekza is fully on board, and certain privileges are given in exchange for support of the motion.

In 1624, Alexandria is finally kicked out of Iberia. Castile deals the final blow. However, what with their takeover of the Muslim lands, there is now only one way for them to move forward in their conquests. They are allied with the Teutonic Order and Andalusia, so either Aquitaine must lose its Iberian holdings or Galicia must be conquered. Seeing this inevitability (she is an excellent diplomat), Radekza sends a warning to Castile not to start any more wars.

In October of 1627, Britain enters its first war in over 30 years. Danmark invades Brunswick, calling in Britain. Also on Brunswick's side is Bar and Franconia. It is not much of a war, what with all three adversaries making a total of 5 provinces.

In fact, Britain gives only moral and material support, as getting to the enemies would mostly require many diplomatic exchanges with nations in the way.

In January of 1629, news arrives in Britain that a Norwegian explorer circumnavigated the globe. The news shocks Europe, since Norge has currently no colonial ambition, as far as anyone can see.

The menial war with Brunswick ends in May. Brunswick is fully annexed by Danmark, and Britain gets a fair amount of gold.

That same year Galicia lands a colony mission in eastern North America. The land they settle they name Florida. Despite Britain's and Galicia's alliance, Radekza quietly orders that colonization efforts in North America should be prioritized.

Charter Colonies are approved by Parliament in 1630, and extra colonists are sent to North America.

On the other side of the world, colonization is also becoming a common theme. The primitive nations of Malacca and Brunei have established slow-growing colonies on several Indonesian islands.

In 1635, the Northern colony of Newfoundland becomes large enough to also be granted some autonomy of its own. However, the Empress feels the name is not suitable for this colony. She changes its name and the government of Radekzia is officially created!

In 1640, the world seems at peace. Trade brings in mountains of wealth to Britain, most people are happy and healthy. The colonies are flourishing, and the natives are quietly oppressed. But in western Africa, a monstrosity waits for its chance to strike...