God Wills It - A HPM Roman AAR - Part 3

Author: ElvenAshwin
Published: 2017-02-06, edited: 1970-01-01

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God Wills It - A HPM Roman AAR

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Game: Victoria 2

God Wills It - A HPM Roman AAR - Part 2

Images: 77, author: ElvenAshwin, published: 2017-02-06, edited: 1970-01-01

The War of 1847
The state of the balance of powers in Europe continues to deteriorate as the Prussians emerge slightly ahead in the War of 1847. In Italy, the Kingdom of Savoy fails to challenge the Papal States, removing credibility in its claim to be the state to unify the Italian pensinula.

Whilst the star of our chief ally in France is fading, the Papacy is stronger than ever before. Pius, hoping not to incur the wrath of world powers already nervous over his expansion in Italy, looks abroad for opportunities to spread the Word of God.
The time is now for unification
A prominent member of the Unification Front expresses encouragement for the Papacy's militarization, proposing the gradual annexation of the remainder of the Italian peninsula, thus bringing a united Italy under theocratic and Papal rule.

Pope Pius, however, viewing the Unification Front as political opponents, and believing that granting them any position of power would put his rule at risk. Furthermore, he does not want to upset the Great Powers any more.

Hence, his proposal is shot down, and he is arrested on grounds of treason, thus turning the Unification Front firmly against Papal rule of Italy.
Viva La Revolution
The Hungarians, demanding for greater representation in the dying Austrian Empire, rise up in revolt. This is part of the greater revolutionary spirit sweeping throughout Europe. The Pope continues to tell his populace to remain calm, citing that one Romans passage about authority, and ignoring those hundred others about indulgences and greed.
The Great Reconstruction
Reminded of the dangers close to home, the Kingdom of France begins to expand its military such that any future Prussian attack will have to face a far stronger opponent. This also means a smaller desire to participate in any major wars sanctioned by the Papacy.

Of course, in this day and era, that does not matter, for the Army of God is fully functional.
Invest in Eastern Rome
The French greenlight a project to build railroads across the eastern territories in the Papal States to bring the country up to modern standards, and to kick start industrialization. They have a vested interest in building and operating these railroads: besides operating revenue, they also make their Italian bulwark more capable in its defenses against Austria.

It is as Jesus-Bismarck said, "Make smart decisions".
The Proud Kindgom of Naples
The Second South Italian War did not proceed to the extent Pius had desired: the remaining portions of the Kingdom of Naples in Campania still boast a massive manpower base, keeping them competitive with the Papal States and hence failing to solve the question of Italian dominance.

At the same time, any further moves against the Kingdom will be viewed by the European powers as a destabilizing force on all of Europe, and will see them come down on the Papacy with the wrath of the Old Testament God.

And only the Pope is allowed to invoke that kind of wrath.
The Russo-Persian War of 1849
Shah Naser al-Din, the Shah of Persia's Golden Age and a moderate racist, plunges his nation into war with Russia over control of some horse people.
Never invade Russia... ever, apparently
The Persians are rapidly overrun by Russian forces, who proceed far south of agreed Russian-British spheres of influence within Persia, thus causing something of a diplomatic crisis over the Great Game.

Russia, it seems, will be able to annex the remainder of Kokkand, as Russians tend to do. Yet another great victory for Christendom in the far east - the hordes that once marched as far as Pannonia, are about to be colonized by a people they subjugated with ease.

This is, of course, a sign of how Christianity speaks the truth. Neither Allah nor some sky-god-bird-thing has come to save the Muslims from European dominance. The sword of Christ will be spread to all corners of the world, and the world will learn to fear the name of God.

As Jesus once said "Subjugate and starve; then spread my message by force or by withholding crucial medical supplies until the Negro begs for it"

Praise Jesus!
Lessons of War
A year on from the War of 1847, the Army of God has learned much from the first Europe-wide war since Napoleonic times. No longer do we throw up white flags and flee to the nearest monastery upon sight of our enemy. Now we hold our ground for roughly seven minutes before flight.
Capitalism, as Jesus envisioned it
As we all know, when Daniel read the words "Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin" (Number, Number, Weighed, Divide) God was actually referencing the numbers on a stock market report, the weighing of investment options and corporations dividing and conquering their enemies with those tools. Obviously.
This Revolution Was Crushed
In late fall 1849, the Revolution of 1848 had died down in Hungary. Successful attacks on the part of the Austrian Army, as well as the failure of Hungary to recruit an army, ended up costing them the war. As the great Sun Tzu once said, cannot win war without army.

Representatives of the Hungarian revolutionary assembly arrange for a meeting with the Austrian Emperor so as to discuss the fate of the Hungarian Dream.
This Revolution... will never end?
Just Pius breathes a sigh of relief with the end of the revolution in Hungary, the Poles have the audacity to believe that they ought to be independent. The Pope, naturally, condemns this uprising, with that one Romans passage. (A favourite of all absolute rulers).

Meanwhile, the once "liberal reformist" candidate has slid quickly into a regressive attitude - embracing technological modernization, but impeding the academia and opposition factions wherever he can.

This results in Republican pieces spreading amongst the underground very quickly. Republican academic Marcus Alberto authors and spreads in May 1850 a piece titled "The Roman Republic" - proposing a grand ambition of a Rome-based republic in Italy that serves as a beacon of freedom in a land of despots.
The Holy Transport Fleet
Upon complaints from Admirals that the Holy Navy is largely comprised of transport fleets that are not useful in a naval engagement, Pius orders several more transports whilst hiding behind a French diplomat.
The Jews are coming! The Jews are coming!
With the birth of the Roman Stock Exchange - carefully monitored by the Papal States, Jews flock to Rome in large numbers. Whilst this irks the Pope, it irks the liberals as well, hence he takes them in with open arms.
Biology
God created life; there is no questioning that. But liberals, likely as a result of fundamental brain deformities from birth, are unable to comprehend this. Academics decide that instead of putting their faith into our Lord and Saviour Pope Piu- I mean, Jesus Christ, they ought to study life themselves.

This is not an issue - the Pope welcomes any opportunity to be proven right.
Yellow Pie Chart rising
The influence of the liberals within the Papacy continues to rise with the spread of "The Roman Republic". Alberto authors another piece, "On the Function of the State" that posits that less government beats more government, and that corporations ought to rule the world via the invisible hand of the free market.

He is discredited by all mainstream Republicans - although the Albertists (anarcho-capitalists as they would be known today) organize around this new paper.

Still - the simple dream outlined in the Roman Republic continues to serve as inspiration to all.
The Pope's a damn commie
Huge swathes of the Papal society live in abject poverty, as Jesus Christ claimed you should live. However, in the annexed state of Sardinia, the slave- I mean, coal mine workers - are growing restless thanks to deplorable living conditions.

Despite the Pope's attempt to explain how Jesus will reward them in heaven using an analogy involving rich men, camels and the eye of a needle, his ivory palace is slightly too tall, preventing anyone from hearing him.

Hence, the Pope acquiesces and attempts to pretend as if he cares about the lives of poor people in Sardinia.
The Basis of Industry
Efforts to industrialize in the Papal States have been minimal. Pius believes that large, mechanical factories are fundamentally unholy, and that Italy can survive primarily on an agricultural basis - the world's farm, if you will.

Besides this, the Papacy has been constantly running on thin margins and shallow reserves, following the principle of "Spend it before inflation hits it", preventing sufficient capital to be raised to establish new factories. Hence, all present industrial capacity is merely the result of Gregory's efforts in the early 1840s.

The Economic Advisory, however, encourages him to support capitalists who are struggled to set up glass start ups in Rome thanks to the slightly high tax rate of "breaking in and entering, and stealing whatever you find".
Glass comes to Romagna
It has been known since biblical times that glass is an excellent basis for industrialization. Hence, the Pope creates a glass factory in Romagna, hoping to eventually build a giant dome around it to keep their illiterate pops out.
Land, labour and.... well not so much liberty
The Pope begins convincing his people to join the deplorable work conditions in the factories, pointing out that Jesus too was a glassmaker. In fact, stories are told in the Bible of how he would return home every day with his face entirely blackened - explaining why he looked Middle-Eastern despite actually being a white scandinavian blue-eyed 9 feet warrior-prince with a massive penis.

These stories were found in the burnt gospels. Why were they burnt, you asked? The Muslims did it, obviously. The Muslims love burning all sorts of property - such as books and women.
ONWARD TO GLORY!
Having secured the temporary support of the Republicans and Republican-aligned academics by listening to their economic policy proposals, Pope Pius sees a need to finally remove the Neapolitan threat by establishing a colonial empire capable of boosting Papal influence and prestige.

With Europe in a precarious position it is time to spread the Word of God to those unfortunate enough to have not heard it yet. The Pope uses the Holy Navy to establish a blockade, with French help, of the port in Alexandria, hence triggering a major diplomatic crisis that could be used to seize Alexandria and their heathen population to work in our cotton fiel- bible study classes.
We shall not tolerate God's warmongering ways
The aggressive actions taken against Egypt, justified under the arbitrary grounds of Italian Christian merchants being harassed in Alexandria, does not sit well with the international community. Germany, Britain and Austria all condemn French imperialism, and decry the moral decay of the Papacy. The Russians also condemn the attempt to distort the Italian Balance.

Pope Pius responds to the allegations of moral corruption by pointing out how, as representative of God and most moral man on earth, that is fundamentally impossible, but only after visiting his altar boy to relieve some stress.
It is time to protect the rights of Christians in- wait the Russians used this casus belli already?`
The Pope advertises his aggressive actions against Egypt on the basis of their poor treatment of Coptic Christians - specifically pointing out an incident where a Roman-born Coptic German Christian was executed for being seen carrying his bible and his murdered wife.

The Pope points out how this is a clear case of religious discrimination.
Oh dear, it has come to war, what a pity
In December of 1851, a Papal fleet is engaged by the Egyptian Navy for a trivial matter of crashing a ship into the dock and murdering several bystanders. This hence gives Pius the incident he was waiting for, allowing for him to declare war on Egypt.
The Declaration of War
The Pope sends a special letter coupled with pig fat to the Egyptian Sultan, declaring war and demanding Alexandria for purposes of protection of the Christian minority.

Meanwhile, back at home, the Fundamentalists rise in influence significantly as they accuse the Pope of being corrupted by political power and lust. They promptly attacked by some Republicans for their far-right, backward views. With the opposition divided, the declaration of war goes through.
France declares war
With Rome now at war, France declares war to defend their ally. This hence begins the Alexandrian War. Britain threatens to enforce a massive blockade on all of France should they fail to restore status quo ante bellum. The French fart in their general direction, before falling over into the Channel.
The Sardinian Republic
A rebel group by the name of the Sardinian Republic, aligned with the the Republican movement, rise up in Sardinia with the aim of creating a free state on the ideas presented in "The Roman Republic". This prompts the Unification Front to declare war on the Republic, assisting the Papacy in containing the initial rebellion.

The Unification Front aligns itself against the Republicans, as they believe Republican support of nationalist movements threatens to destroy the Italian Dream.
The Republic Falls
After a brief month of fighting with the attempt of establishing an entrenched power base, the Republic is defeated in the Battle of Cagliari, hence restoring Roman control to Sardinia once again. Fights break out between Unification Front members and Republican sympathizers across the Papal States, both desiring to capitalize on Papal weakness thanks to the war but neither willing to agree on their method of attack.
France storms Dumyat
Despite British warnings to withdraw, in mid-February France moves past a simple blockade on Alexandria and invades Dumyat, establishing a beachfront from which they can easily seize Cairo.

The British, in turn, declare war on France, beginning their first engagement since the Napoleonic Wars. Britain establishes the Blockade of 1852, covering huge swathes of France and drastically driving up food prices when combined with the trade disruption through Alexandria.

Europe is plunged into a financial crisis with huge pressure for France to back down.

Pius resists international demands and anger, and prepares to land and seize Alexandria, ending the war before the end of the year.
The Alexandrian War Expands!
Seeing British support for any state willing to contain Papal expansion, the Kingdom of Naples seizes the opportunity and declares war on Rome.
The Battle of Foggia
Cesare Grifeo - the war hero from the Second South Italian War, who famously stayed behind to defend Rome from an approaching Neapolitan army, leads the charge once more against Rome's greatest nemesis.
With the Lord our Protector
Cesare handedly defeats the main Neapolitan force, thus removing all ability for them to launch major attacks into the Papal States. The Army of God suffers large casualties, leading the Pope to call for a day of mourning for the heroes who fought and died in Foggia.

Hope rises for the Papacy to not be fully occupied by her enemies this time. Rome being looted a third time would be rather sad.
Into the negatives the Papal economy march
Soaring prices due to the war and the British blockade of France and embargo on Papal trade, combined with the loss of investor confidence as a result of the outbreak of the war, plunges the Papal economy into recession.

The already miniscule reserves are burned through, resulting in France being forced to loan us money to preserve the state.
Budget cuts everywhere!
"Do not fight for money or wealth - fight in the Name of God" - Jesus, probably.

It is fundamentally selfish for soldiers to expect living wages for their services in the Army of God. Already, the Pope has offered them a guaranteed spot in heaven, as God is totes okay with imperialistic mass murder. What more do they want?
Alexandria falls
Alexandria falls after a brief siege. Egypt readies its forces to retake the port, whereas France is now capable of pushing into Cairo and bringing God to the Muslim pigdogs (both of which, interestingly, are absolutely haram).
The Battle of Barri
The Kingdom of Naples, now fearful for its life, dispatches a reserve force to take Aquila as the Army of God readies itself for a march on Naples. Meanwhile, the remnants of the professional army flee further south.

The Army hence decides to chase down and defeat the remnants of the army to the south.

Back in Aquila, the invading Neapolitan forces are greeted as liberators. Several Republican academics, seeing the volatility of southern Italy, form the Freedom Army, with the goal of realizing the Roman Ambition.
Foggia redder than the blood of Jesus
The hills of Foggia are stained red once more as the Army of God moves to obstruct the passages of the enemy, now that the plains of southern Puglia have been purged of hostile forces.
France Surrenders
Get used to that.

After a mere seven months of conflict, the British blockade combined with the goods disruption from the Alexandrian War convince the French to back out of the war. Pope Pius is forced to accept these circumstances, agreeing to a ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Holy Navy from the waters north of Egypt.

The Kingdom of Naples, however, has yet to surrender.
The French came as liberators, and leave as useless allies
The French have never in history been brave. They have almost constantly been cowardly and pathetic, working to subvert the Papacy and Catholicism at every opportunity. Never once has France fought in the name of God - never has a Frank participated in a Crusade.

The French cannot be trusted. The Christians in Egypt continue to be persecuted thanks to their failures.

We have always been at war with Francia.
Praise be, Praise be
France is our best friend. As the Neapolitan armies threaten our rightfully conquered land, the French come and save us.

We have always been allied to France.
The Siege of Naples
With the French now heading south to corner a hostile force, Cesare begins the long-awaited Siege of Naples, hoping to conquer the Kingdom in the name of God and Pius.
We're still bleeding money
Despite attempts to rescue the economy, huge amounts of our people are trapped in a cycle of poverty, and we are running on debt to France.
Britain intervenes
The global policeman, the British Empire, intervenes in the war following the fall of Naples - urging the Army of God to evacuate the Kingdom and agree to a white peace, under threat of a further military action.

France agrees to this, believing that the capture of Naples is not work risking the wrath of the world powers, and also not wanting to upset the Italian Balance.

Whilst Pius has to begrudginly leave a year of war with absolutely no gains to show for it, he has successfully proven to the world how the Army of God is capable of single handedly defeating the Kingdom of Naples.

This, he posits, shows that the Italian Balance no longer exists, and that stability and peace can only be returned to the Italian peninsula if it unites under his rule.
The Ottoman Empire is confused
The Sick Man of Europe may in fact be the Sick Woman of Europe, as she simultaneously gives conflicting signals to France.
No hard feelings?
The terms of the French relationship with Egypt is finalized in London. France will be allowed access to their land on scientific grounds, but will not be allowed to influence them economically or politically. Britain tightens their hold on Egypt, and the Papal States now stands to lose their colonial potential.
The Austro-Prussian War
As Britain pats itself on the back for its job in preventing the collapse of the Concert of Europe by defeating Pope Pius, the Concert of Europe collapses as Prussia invades Austria in order to settle the German question once and for all.
Republicanism Rising
Republican activities during the war have resulted in them creating a solid powerbase in Puglia and Sicily, benefiting from the loss of central control.

"The Roman Republic" and its proclamations have spread far and wide through the literate class, and the notions of the rebirth of Rome in the modern world have proved popular.
The 1853 Sicilian Crisis
The Freedom Army stages its first large-scale military operation, organizing a massive revolt in March of 1853 in Sicily, with over 100 000 rebels fighting to end Papal rule. This kickstarts a crisis over the question of what degree of autonomy should be granted to Papal territories outside Lazio.

The Pope, after consulting with his bible, concludes "none" as the bible does not in fact mention autonomy. Hence, autonomous is not God's way, and it must be destroyed.
The peasants are liberal? To the right!
The ongoing protests over regional autonomy as well as the question of the representation of the people in the Papacy have provoked a strong reactionary shift in Pius' tone. Pius now wants nothing to do with liberal viewpoints, and begins shutting down and confiscating all liberal publications.

A purge of the academia begins as the Censor Board is set up to process published work.

The Pope is the representative of God. He needs no validating by the people of Earth. God already has a say in how the Papal States are run - why should the people supercede God? An attack on Pius is an attack on the Saviour itself - and the heterodox will not be tolerated on the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
On the nature of life
As biologists are rapidly pushed out of the Papacy as a result of harsh new laws, many of them flee to neighboring states where they publish their papers and findings.
The Papal Machine
If God wanted man to do hard labour, he would have given us a steam engine. The Agricultural Advisory begins introducing the latest European agricultural technologies to Lazio and Puglia.
On the Origin of Species
An individual by the name of Charles Darwin publishes an atrocious, heretical piece of work that questions Genesis - the foundation of the Bible itself. These ideas - that species originate not from God's own hand but from the invisible hand of some kind of false idol by the name of "Natural Selection" - spread in Rome but are quickly outlawed.

Nonetheless, this goes full Streisand as the disillusioned youth are taught about the radical new idea by the Freedom Army as part of their indoctrination.
The Austrian Empire Falls
Already shaken up by the Springtime of Nations and the Hungarian Revolution, the fragile Austrian Empire buckles under Prussian and Confederation pressure. Meanwhile, Spain and the Netherlands see great successes in the west, but are unable to save the Austrian Army from their fundamental weakness of being both Austrian and an Army.
The German Question
As massive revolt break out against the ruler of the Austrian Emperor, Austria surrenders to Prussian demands, thus giving Prussia hegemony over all the German states.
The New World Order
The surrender of the Austrian SoI in Germany and the Austrian claim to a unified Germany now throws the balance of powers out of whack, as Prussia stands ready to unite the German peoples once and for all.

At home, Pius hopes to use the unification of Germany as the basis for their annexation of the remainder of Italy - to serve as a counterweight to the bulwark in the north.
Factories are supposed to make money
Pius learns that factories are not in fact charities for the 9-year olds who work there, but actually profit-making ventures. In order to develop an actually profitable industry, the Pope consults with the Lord.

God responds by taking control of the Pope, purchasing twelve bottles of liquour and making him drink it in one night. After returning to consciousness, the Pope takes this as a sign that the Papacy needs to produce liqour to satiate his and the world's unlimited demands.
The Left Wil Rise
Despite Papal suppression attempts, Liberal influence amongst the Papal administration is now stronger than traditional conservative influence, although largely in part due to divisions between the extreme Restorationists and the moderate Conservatives.
Republic Rising!
The revolution in Austria continues as the Republic of Banat proclaims its independence and a truce with Austrian generals is signed. Austria does not recognize the new state, but he is quickly accepted by Prussia, Russia and the UK.

Meanwhile, the Austrian government enters talks with the Hungarian revolutionaries.
The People Can Read!
Thanks to extensive education policies aimed and educating the next generation, literacy in the Papal States is no longer a privilege for the rich. It is now a privilege for the slightly rich.

In the meantime, the newly educated segment of the population begin to actually read the Bible, and start raising illogical question such as, "Wait, where does it mention a Pope?"
The Empire will not be divided
Hungarian nationalists finally succeed in 1855, after the failed 1848 uprising. Instead of declaring independence entirely, the Hungarians propose that Hungary be granted greater representation within the internal affairs of the Empire. This hence results in a new constitution being drafted, and the formation of Austria-Hungary.
Multiple steams
We have successfully introduced a steam engine that compounds things in some way. Anyway, productivity is much higher!
The Machine Uprising
The working class people panic as machines are introduced in Papal factories to boost production, thus "taking der jerbs". They come to the logical conclusion that within 20 years, all workers will be unemployed, as no more jobs can be mined in time.
Puglia has always been part of the Duchy of Latium
The Pope begins his intention to fully integrate Puglia into the Papal States, abolishing their old connections to the Kingdom of Naples and making it rightfully Roman territory. This, as one would expect, provokes anger from the Kingdom of Naples.
The Habsburgs will stop at nothing
A hundred years after their glory was lost, the Habsburgs continue to fuck with the Papacy and their cousins.
Give them an inch
The political situation in the Papal States is now beyond Pius' liking. Liberalism has taken hold of the literate population and there is now a great threat of uprisings aimed to depose the Pope. The Freedom Army continues to campaign on the basis of the people's lack on political rights.

In order to appease this, the Pope announces his formation of several major unions, under direct control of the theocracy. These would govern important industries and ensure that those in charge of state factories do not abuse their rights. Pius hopes that such a proposal will break the Republicans' steam, by proving to the people that the Pope, and God, truly cares.

Of course, the question of how a state owned union has a bit of a conflict of interest busting a state owned factories is slightly glossed over. The Pope promises that the union leaders will be Christians, and hence will do nothing wrong.
And they'll take a mile
Unfortunately, Pius' acknowledgement of the liberal sentiments and his partial caving in to their demands brings Republican causes to the center of attention. An attempt to put down a Republican protest in Rome results in the Valentines' Day Massacre, where law enforcement guns down numerous liberals.

Whilst this is a net gain for the Papacy, the Pope presumes, it triggers a massive spread of Republican ideals.
Beware the Ides of March!
On March 15, 1856, the Grand Revolution begins when Marcus Alberto is murdered, presumably on the orders of the Papacy. This triggers a peasant attempt to storm the Sistine Chapel, which devolves into an all-out battle in various sectors of Rome. Throughout all major cities in the Papal States, the people are rising!
Look, shiny machines!
The Pope ignores the revolts, instead focusing on his newfangled technologies. The Freedom Army responds by organizing numerous terror attacks and bombings. Battles erupt almost daily in Rome, and although security forces almost always emerge victorious, the damage is done.
A Compromise, perhaps?
Whilst the main revolutionary group - the Freedom Army, fights in the name of realizing the Roman Republic, the majority of people swayed over to their side are largely complaining about their poor living situations. The Pope announces cheap loans for artisans and also allows for non state owned unions, but with special restrictions (including the banning of Republican sympathies).

Meanwhile, revolutionary groups storm and capture the Sistine Chapel, where they host the First Revolutionary Congress. Here, the Romanists within the Unification Front, which has not been participating in the revolution out of their leadership's disdain for Republicans and liberals, agree to defect over.
Look! Factories!
As the revolution forces armed guards to keep state factories secure, entrepeneurs begin to understand the principle of work specialization. With Papal assistance, they begin training their workers for specialized jobs.

These new policies, seemingly helping the everyday worker, causes more people to back down. The Sistine Chapel is taken back in August of 1856, hurting revolutionary zeal.
The Revolution Falls Back
The Pope announces even more initiatives, such as free grain supplies for residents of major cities and subsidies for farmers, combined with the removal of any and all restrictions on trade unions. This results in liberal unions springing up and beginning political lobbying. With their voices now heard, many begin to defect from the revolutionary cause.

Throughout the next four months, the Republicans fall back and are driven out of Rome. By April, their leadership is cornered in Sicily.
God Prevails over Revolutionaries
God does not like those who disturb the natural order of things. Those who have the audacity to challenge the Pope, representative of God on Earth, successor to St Peter himself, will fail.

On May 7, the Freedom Army hosts their final Congress, agreeing to surrender. Many of the top leadership are executed, and the movement as a whole is disbanded.

Order is restored to the Papal States. The Pope introduces a slew of new measures, bringing the States under increasingly authoritarian control that allows the Pope to completely control the narrative. New laws are introduced outlawing the right to even protest, and liberalism as a whole is subjugated.

The academics are largely expelled from the country, or forced to agree to new harsh censorship laws that allow for the Censors Committee to change their words and present it as factual.
Consolidation
With the Papal States now fully consolidated - with nationalist and liberal movements both crushed by new laws, and with the Italian Balance clearly proven to be folly, the Papal States begins to rise amongst the ranks of the greats.
Industrialization, ho!
In the wake of the revolution, the Papal States begin to adopt foreign factory structures, and expand their training programmes, increasing output.
The Army of God moves forward
Seeing how they are approaching domination of the Italian Peninsula, Pius orders the adoption of the newest technology (from a decade ago) to better equip their army.

It is time to look beyond their borders.
The 1857 Bread Riots
Anger breaks out over a shortage of bread in Rome. The Pope now sees another test for his ability to contain a revolt. Instead of reacting violently, as he had done before, he makes vague and ultimately pointless promises to boost liberal representation among his advisory.

The shortages are soon solved and grain quotas are expanded, calming the populace down. The Revolution truly is dead.
A New Year
The Papal States enters 1858 stable and proven. Its army is now the largest in Italy, its alliance with France is secure and despite a leftist political climate, formal opposition to the Pope is all but gone.

We are united in God. As that one Romans passage says we should be. Revolutions are fundamentally immoral, for as Jesus once said

"And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil."

And Revolutionaries are simply agents of the devil attempting to tempt you.
The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done.

Next chapter:

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God Wills It - A HPM Roman AAR - Part 4

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