Part 53: Europa Universalis III: Chapter 22 - To Be First Among Equals

Intermission: To Be First Among Equals

At the Reichstag of 1700, Swabia stands at the top of its power. Its efficient burueacracy, rich lands and skilled traders bring in more income to its lands than could have been dreamed of a mere century ago. With Iberia on the decline, its wealth is now unrivalled by any other Great Power.


Its court attracts skilled advisors from many fields, and as of late, its policies have tended towards the loosening of serfdom and mercantilist ways, all in the interests of increasing revenue.


Its army is modelled after the latest in Western military thinking, though its officer corps have declined somewhat in more peaceful times.


Three propositions appear before the Reichstag, along with the latest in intelligence and national statistics. In addition to the intelligence, there is also a map of the entire known world, drawn by a pedantic British bureaucrat who has left out no country, no matter how tiny and insignificant.

The World, Anno Domini 1700







Imperial Proposals
Back from the last Reichstag, and too recently introduced to need to be explained all over again, are the Proposal for the Creation of a Dignified Imperial Cabinet and Establishment of the Imperial Colonial Company



Additionally, the Writ of Trade and Prosperity has been raised from its three-centuries old grave in the face of increasing trade revenue. Swabia may have an unrivalled income, but one can never have too much money, and a unified trade policy and freedom from tolls within the Empire would certainly help.



Finally, there is one final, special matter. Over the course of three hundred years, the Holy Roman Empire has shrunk from 43 to 14 member states, and almost all of the remaining states are vassals of one Great Power or another. Saxony has made itself the chief defender of what little autonomy there is left, and the Electors have come together to make a proposal, which is in fact little more than an ultimatum:

Under the terms of the Revised Golden Bull, all of the remaining member states will agree to increase their contribution of manpower and diplomats to the Empire, and renounce their right to secede, in exchange for the guarantee that neither Austria nor Swabia will make any further gains at the expense of smaller member states. Additionally, they demand that the Emperor retake Lüneburg, which is in the hands of the Scandinavians.

To accept would mean that complete unification of Germany will have to wait, perhaps a century, perhaps more. To decline, on the other hand, will mean the end of the Holy Roman Empire - the member states have made clear that a no on this proposition will result in collective secession. The question is - do we wish to unify Germany through diplomacy, or through conquest?

Vote Yes or No on the Revised Golden Bull - and choose wisely. Don't forget to vote on the proposal of your choice either.



(Footnote: The vote here will determine a lot of things, including how I mod Victoria. I had planned to wait until the end of EU3, but it seems too relevant now to postpone)