01-07-2005 02:36									#1
	Whither Spain: A New Beginning Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

Jan 1702

The DDLF, Don Enrique, had managed to follow succesfully in the path of his father, Don Felippe, and his fathers colleauge, the Count of Castrillo. Under him Spain had survived, and even continued to develop under the weak minded king, Carlos II. Spain went to war only to keep up its alliance with Austria, the Pope, and Portugal, confining itself to naval warfare where possible (well there WAS the expedition to Africa, which resulted in taking the Swedish colony of Louga). Spain had refrained from conversion attempts, but had continued development of provincial administrations, and settling existing colonies. Almost all colonies had reached provincial status and received tax collectors and governors. Powhatan had recently gone from Trading post to colony. Spain remained completely centralized. Inflation, which had once reached 61% was now down to 47%.

Under Louis XIV France had developed a huge military, and Spain, unwilling to rely on its allies, responded by keeping its own army close or above its ability to maintain easily, and expanded several key frontier fortresses. It also shifted its military focus to offense. Portugal brought England into the alliance, which suited the DDLF, at least in the short term, though it troubled some extreme Catholics. Still, if it was good enough for the Pope....

All this was based on the DDLF's belief that the throne would go to Louis the Bavarian when Carlos died. Though Louis royal status was purely nominal, as his kingdom was part of the Austrian empire, and he was basically a fixture of the Vienna court, at least, not being a member of the Austrian royal family it was assumed he would be independent on the throne of Spain. When he died in 1699, Don Enrique had a difficult choice - France or Austria??

The Don wanted Spain to remain intact, and as independent as possible. Choosing Austria meant a likely difficult war with heavily armed France. Even if the Hapbsburgs won, that would leave Spain in a difficult relationship with powerful Vienna. Giving the throne to the Bourbons, would alienate Austria. But Austria, though more advanced, was less well armed than France. And was constrained by the existing alliance. And a Spanish-French alliance was likely to be dominated in the long run by Spain.

So Don Enrique did the only logical things, he supported the Bourbon inheritance, and insisted on the continued unity of all Spanish holdings.

As of January 1701 the Austrians and Dutch had protested, and were clearly bitterly angry, but neither went to war, broke existing relations with Spain (alliance and vassalage respectively) or even rearmed. Portugal and the Papal States had gradually become less enthused with Spain, though relations remained ok. France and England were VERY close to Spain, in a budding "Atlantic alliance" although this remained informal.

Meanwhile the new king was accompanied by a burst of new administrative talent in Spain, esp some key ministers. Don Enrique immediately restarted the missionizing program.

	01-07-2005 15:59									#2
	Support Apolyton, buy Call to Power 2

Cool

	06-07-2005 21:52									#3
	Another debate Inflate your Upload Space

January 1714.

Spain now faced several strategic options. Domestic policy was more or less where the DDLF wanted it. A series of domestic political crises had been more or less overcome and stability restored, but there were still problems in the administration, which particularly effected the missionizing efforts. There were now only 2 pagan provinces under Spanish control in South America, and 4 in Mexico, with 2 active missions - however no more were being sent now. Spain had abolished the vassalage relation with the Netherlands, to increase diplomatic freedom of action. Spain was still allied to Austria, Portugal, Papal States and England, and had good relations with France.

There were essentially 4 directions that had advocates on the Council of State.

1. Invade the Netherlands. Spain had a Casus Belli, and Netherlands was largely isolated diplomatically, and weakly defended. Zeeland possesed a refinery. Some advocated trying to win decisively enough to annex Zeeland, as well as Puerto Rico. Others suggested a war more focused on getting a large indemnity, in order to avoid the problems of governing Zeeland. The prospect of Austria joining the Netherlands was a concern, though it was held that Austria would not take the cost of breaking the alliance.

2. Invade the Incas. It was held by some that Spains economy could benefit from the silver of Potosi, and was now strong enough to deal with inflationary impacts. On the other hand it was held that new pagan provinces should not be added while 6 remained in the empire, and new ones were not being sent out.

3. Invade the Shawnee - it was held that this should be done to dominate the rich lands of North America, and block the English (allies, but strategic rivals) from expanding west. Again, the problem of new pagan provinces was raised.

4. Remain at peace and focus on colonization. Cartagena and Bayou were not yet provinces, and there were opportunities in the TP at Matagorda, and in neutral areas, like Tuscaloosa, Yazoo, Rio Grande, and the regions beyond Jalisco, and in Venezuala.

	09-07-2005 02:34									#4
	Support Apolyton

Jan 1724

we went with the Dutch war, and annexed zeeland, Puerto Rico, and Bahamas.