Rise of the Sun of May - Part 5: El Lecho de Muerte (1863-1871)

In February 1863, Argentina's first factory is built. The liquor distillery, a branch of the Italian "Fratelli Branca" company in Milan, is officially opened by Rosas himself. Rosas takes the first sip of the bitter Fernet-Branca and raises a toast- to /u/CargoShortsSensei and his quest to manifest!

Rosas subsidizes the factory to ensure gain as it begins production.

In April, Rosas orders the construction of two new clippers and a frigate to head the Argentine fleet.

The science guys are sent off to theorize and such.

Anarcho-Liberals continue to rage in both Peru and Bolivia. Bolivian revolutionary Domingo Abaroa makes clear his goal to completely overthrow the government. Rosas worries but doesn't act.

For the first time ever, Argentina's coffers top $10,000. This is obviously due to Rosas vigilance in the previous economic crises.

Socialists are thrust upon Argentina. Followers of Karl Marx create their own Argentine party- Partido Socialista. Rosas sees no issues with them at the moment and expects their power to be low at best.

The party agrees with the Federals on only one issue- Free Trade.

In October, the first railroad connection between two provinces is completed! This also cements Rosas views that Vic 2 is shit at showing realistic railroad connections.

The Argentine Senate of 1864 is assembled. With the edition of Patagonia Septentrional, a new state formed in the southern reaches of desert, the number of Senate seats rises to 22. Only the Radicals see gain, receiving two seats as more and more people sympathize with the Anarcho-Rebels in Peru and Bolivia.

The Confederacy lost sadly. The future now holds much possibility for the expansion of American influence.

More troops are ordered recruited in Buenos Aires.

A small band of Anarcho-Liberals rise in Córdoba, following the call of the rebels in the north.

Yet another province is successfully settled in the south!

General Ángel makes short work of the rebels.

In order to facilitate the building of several new ships and units, the military is cut off supply for a short while.

Rosas almost vomits when he hears news of Americans already meddling in affairs closer and closer to home.

I need clothes dammit!

In January, Rosas orders the settling of the Chaco region in the name of Argentina.

The borders now officially extend to the previously captured-from-Paraguay state of Formosa, connecting them to mainland Argentina. This also gives Rosas legitimate 'cores' on the captured region.

Exhilarated by the recent successful land grabs, Rosas orders the military elite to begin strategizing a new war with Paraguay. Rosas plans to show his dominance to Paraguayan King Roque I.

More research boyo.

Previous orders for a clipper and frigate are canceled as the focus lands on resupplying the army in preparation for the future war.

One clipper does get built, however, and the 'ARA Ceres' now joins Admiral Avellaneda in Bahía Blanca.

In June, the radical rebels successfully overthrow the Bolivian government. Domingo Abaroa is proclaimed dictator. For now, Rosas backs off diplomatically.

In fear of future revolts, Rosas appoints 'labor spies' to infiltrate workers unions and keep an eye on signs of strikes.

More complaints about alcohol in the Andes regions. Rosas dismisses them drunkenly.

The Argentine Senate of 1866 is assembled. The Socialists, flying a stark red banner and garnering support from the now suspicious laborers plagued by spies, bust into the Senate with two seats taken from the Left Coalition. The Federals quickly change their party color to disassociate with the Socialists, opting for a purple color based on the current Argentine flag. Rosas actually enjoys watching the Socialists rise- as so far it has only made the Left less powerful.

To appease and perhaps prevent any future Anarcho uprising, Rosas reestablishes the alliance with Bolivia. If they want to live in an Anarcho paradise, why can't they just peacefully move to Bolivia?

As the reserves are raised, General Justo Menza Sr. answers the call to pacify the Paraguayan menace. After losing his son, General Justo Menza Jr., to the Paraguayans 8 years ago, he is ready for war.

On June 2nd 1866, with both Ángel and Menza Sr. positioned on the border, Rosas once again declares war on Paraguay.

Our 24,000 man strong army immediately moves into Asunción.

A crushing blow is dealt to Paraguay. Losing only 920 men themselves, Ángel and Menza Sr. have managed to completely decimate the main force of Paraguay.

Thus the sieging begins.

After an incident with radical protesters in the south, Rosas orders the suppression of the incident in order to not piss off any Bolivians.

Science train comin' through.

On January 22nd 1867, General Justo Menza Sr. dies peacefully in his sleep while encamped outside a besieged Paraguayan city. The country mourns but proudly agrees that Menza Sr. had fulfilled his purpose of avenging his son. Ángel, a man of few words, describes Menza as "Un héroe argentino".

As the north is sieged, it becomes clear that surrender is not so distant.

The Argentine Senate of 1868 is assembled. No changes to the major parties but the Socialists see continued growth as they steal yet another Radical seat.

On January 4th 1868, sad news reaches Rosas' desk.

General Ángel Pacheco (pictured), the guiding beacon of Argentina's entire military, has passed away due to cardiovascular complications. At 74 years old, the man had remained a close advisor to his President, and helped guide Argentina through triumphs and tribulations. His heart may have been physically weak, but his men only knew him as strong. Descanse En Paz sweet Ángel.

In April, talk in the Senate began to circulate around the current legal status quo. No reforms had been passed in years.

Working with the Socialists, The Left Coalition manages to pass through a bill allowing trade unions. Rosas is advised not to worry as they will be strictly state controlled.

More expansion southward!

In May, Asunción is captured. Félix Santos, a veteran of Ángel's army, is named the new general of the army. Santos, in a speech to his men, famously refers to Paraguay as "El Lecho de Muerte" ("The Deathbed") after witnessing 3 Argentine generals die there in his lifetime.

Weeks later, General Santos meets with the Paraguayan King, mirroring his predecessor years earlier when he marched into the palace. King Roque I signs the peace deal. Roque, and Paraguay, now answer to Rosas!

Meanwhile in Europe- more war!

Somewhere in the midst of stacks of documents, Rosas lost the alliance deal signed years before with Peru. Quickly, the deal is resigned.

As the reserves demobilize and Santos moves the troops back to Buenos Aires, Rosas takes a step back and looks at his beautiful country, now only 22nd in the international scale.

Devastating news in August, however. The United Kingdom (bastards) have swept Brazil under their wing. Rosas does not like these new threats from foreign powers on his doorstep.

Research, research, research buddy boy.

Finally after all that time the single ordered infantry unit begins production.

Rosas orders the construction of a fort to protect himself (and Buenos Aires of course).

Also, he orders a new engineer unit to be built as the army grows ever stronger.

The economy is doing so well now that Rosas can heighten both the education and administration budget.

More naval research cause Rosas felt behind.

Yet more devastating news. Admiral Avellaneda has died. Even though he saw no conflicts, Avellaneda is credited with the growth of the Argentine Navy and the discovery that there was in fact a naval base in Bahía Blanca.

Bartolomé Pedernera, former captain of Argentina's first ship, is named the new admiral.

The Argentine Senate of 1870 is assembled. The Federals lose a seat as Socialists rise ever higher after their success with trade union reform.

Brazil is building a city or something.

In February, Partido Federal is reformed into Partido Autonomista. The now updated party still carries the same color but is now reformed for a more modern approach instead of being focused on past situations. Rosas gladly joins the party.

Some revolutionaries vying for Paraguayan 'independence' rise in the capital. Santos, showing loyalty to Rosas, quickly moves in.

And crushes them in Ángel-esque fashion.

Oooooo philosophy things.

Santos returns to Buenos Aires and admits the new engineer division to the army, now 15,000 men strong.

We now rival Chile in army size not even counting Paraguay.

Weavers produce extra clothes for the army to eat up like moths.

Admiral Pedernera requests the construction of a frigate.

Take that god hating Socialists!

Woo-wee Peru is not lookin' healthy boys.

With a force now rivaling Chile, Rosas knows what must be done. Santos positions on the Entrerriano border as reserves are raised.

A new Conservative party joins Partido Autonomista. Partido Nacional is formed as a more hardline alternative that isn't Reactionary. The Nationals stay in coalition with the Autonomists, but take a more aggressive, national-identity approach to issues like immigration.

By February, all of the State of Buenos Aires is covered in rails for both domestic and military use.

Santos stays on the border, joined by Justo Balcarce. Balcarce is an up and coming commander ready to prove himself on the battlefield. Ready for action, Balcarce and Santos start a friendly, Legolas-and-Gimli-orc-kill-count-esque rivalry.

On April 1st 1871, Rosas declares war on former Governor and friend Urquiza, intent on reuniting Entrerrianos with their Argentine brethren. Urquiza laughs expecting it to be a joke. It's not.