Fifth Quadrennial: Denmark, 1852-1855



This is the first time that I'm repeating a country back to back. So, at the start of 1852, I'm busy shuttling troops to my war with Sokoto. In the meantime, I've got to make sure that I don't look like an acquisition target. Prussia still has yet to form Germany, but if the war goes well, they can do just that. So I need to keep watch on the war. Defenses include releasing Schleswig or conquering some German minor, but either will cause trouble later.



Also, Sweden has done well for themselves for the past quadrennial and are ranked 10 now. If they become a Great Power, then suddenly our relations become a problem: Too high, and I'm sphered quickly and absorbed into Scandinavia, too low and I'm a war target (for sphering and absorption).



The Prussian war for Silesia ended on 6 February 1852, with a victory for Prussia. However, they did not take Rhineland from Bavaria, and are now in truce with them until 6 February, 1857. So, Prussia should not be a threat this quadrennial.



One bit of maybe-good news: I was originally worried that the US, with nothing better to do, might decide to enter the Sokoto war, but the CSA rose early, and the American Civil War began on 21 June 1852. Damn, 1852.



The Sokoto War ended 28 June 1853, with Denmark claiming Sokot Benin. It's a small prize, but strategically positioned to do well in the Scramble for Africa. I can now afford to return half my forces to Denmark, and I'll be in decent shape to meet European issues.



1853 and 1854 were quiet. The USA won their Civil War, and the Chinese Empire broke out in their own civil war. But things were too quiet. Saxony slipped in the rankings, but Hanover climbed and we might end up with Denmark again. Not so interested in that, I started a Humiliate CB against them in October 1854. But in the end, I figured that that would just get Prussia and the UK upset at me, and I can't afford that. Better to simply prepare for Sokoto Round Two.



On 20 November 1854, Belgium replaced Spain as a Great Power. This is the first replacement in this game. Spain is at #15, suddenly.



In the end, I don't have the diplomatic support to justify war against many. I'm slowly building my industrial base and improving both my army and navy stacks.



Russia went to war against China for land, but that's really all I've seen. The civil wars did not change power around.



Next Quadrennial: Denmark again. We'll see if Sweden (at #9) becomes an actual threat or not.