EuropeiaBoard

1879

Europe, and especially France reels from the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War. The Prussian armies toppled not only Napoleon III's Empire, but also the low countries, seizing German-speaking Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. France and the United Kingdom are eyeing Germany with a suspicious gaze, and the newly formed Empire is gaining in power, with reconciliation with the old League of Three Emperors seemingly underway. These two informal blocs are tense with each other, dancing around and attempting to gain influence with the smaller European states and secondary powers.

Elsewhere in the world, nations are rising to levels that can resist European influence.

In the Americas, countries are slowly gaining economic power. Though the ability and stability of the more minor and troubled states such as Guatemala and the former states of Gran Colombia is questionable, there is no doubt that importance in this region is on the rise, with economies increasing in the more responsible regions, and the creation of economic powerhouses in Brazil and Argentina being followed closely by nations such as Mexico and Chile, putting their colonizer's capitals to shame compared to their new metropolises. The United States is recovering from the Civil War, but its industry remains a force to be reckoned with. European holdings still persist on the outskirts and in the Caribbean, to the displeasure of other nations. Canada remains under the control of the British, and small islands fly colonial flags.

In Africa, colonization has been slow and arduous. Unexpected ferocity, unification, and cunning of the African states leaves them independent and a thorn in the side of the European invaders. The hostility in Europe has prevented a conference from being done, giving the tribes and kingdoms more time to be ready against any incursions. Egypt glows as its military is arguably one of the strongest, if not the strongest in the continent. Ethiopian resistance against invaders remains as steadfast as ever, leaving the colonizers in Somalia fearing raids. The Sokoto Caliphate remains an agricultural and military powerhouse in West Africa, beating back colonizers coming in from Guinea. The Kingdom of Kongo remains independent from Portugal's Angolan settlements. The Imerina Kingdom, meanwhile, proudly stands to the east. However, European colonies remain in some territories, including North Africa, Angola, Senegal, the Cape, Mozambique, and more.

In Asia, the Ancient Empire of China crumbles. Increasing foreign attacks and demands have led to unrest in the Chinese Court and the populace. India remains under British control, but the princes are given more autonomy due to the difficulty of administering such a large nation. Japan rose after it emerged from the Boshin War, and is quickly modernizing, to the dread of China and Russia. In the Middle East, the Ottoman Empire struggles to maintain its holdings, while the Persian Empire lays its predatory eyes on Iraq. The Spanish Philippines remains one of the last possessions of the setting empire, but to the south, Indonesia serves as the seat of the Dutch Court after its fall in the Franco-Prussian War, somewhat akin to the United Kingdom of Portugal and Brazil.