[NTW AAR] The Yodel Heard Through Europe (A Swiss NTW AAR)

**Coriantumr** · March 16, 2010, 12:26 PM

(I am using the Factions Playable Mod. No pictures because this is spur of the moment. Some may come later. First attempt at an AAR)

1805:
This was the year the Greater Swiss Empire got its wings to develop. Under semi-official vassilage to France, Switzerland felt it needed to extend its arms to include lands that the ancient Swiss soldiers at one time possessed. With the best military heritage in Europe, the king thought, this would be an easy task.

Unfortunatly, the days of the Swiss Pikemen are long gone. Muskets are the preferred weapon, and all Switzerland can recruit is Cavalry, Infantry, and Militia. Not a very easy task, destroying a massive, more glorious empire with just those three units. But, Swiss determination proved itself.

Spring of 1805
After a brief period of recruitment, a relativly large Swiss army set out to take Innsbruck from the Austrians. Finding it stationed by only a Landwher and a German Fusiler unit, they took the city, destroying the Austrian defenders. A Russian counterattack came the next week, but was defeated by the skin of the defenders teeth.

Building the Innsbruck army to a mighty fighting force, the Swiss once again sallied forth, this time, towards Venice. They found the city utterly undefended. The inhabitants surrendered without a shot fired. The looming bankruptcy in Switzerland, truely an unthinkable crises, was averted by the rich lands around the Italian city. For the first time, Swiss sailors charted the waters, trading without a middleman. Switzerland was the most powerful state in Southern Europe. But, was this enough?

Summer of 1805
The Swiss army, now a capable modern fighting force, recieved new orders in late July- take Vienna! As they set out for the conquest, a large Austrian army threatened Innsbruck. The main Swiss army was sent to assisst the defenders of the city, comprising of six units of Militia and a mob of Armed Citizens. The Austrians, seeing them coming, retreated, only to be destroyed in Bavaria by Napoleon Bonaparte. The main Swiss army then returned to its previous campaign.

Fall of 1805
The Swiss approached Vienna with caution. A traveling gentlemen reported a large force defending the city. Sure enough, by Late November, with the Swiss in sight of the Danube, it sallied forth. Retreating, the Swiss were holed up near the town of Graz. The Austrians, hesistating to recieve some soldiers, advanced in December.

Winter and the Battle of Graz
The Swiss commander positioned his troops along a fenced in field, creating a 360 degree fire radius. The calvary was stationed outside of the fence, with the commander inside the protection of the Infantrymen. The Austrians, composed of German and Hungarian Fusilers, artillery, cavalry, advanced in a straight line.

The Calvary, sensing an oppourtunity, flanked the guns, which were undefended. They destroyed all of the devastating Austrian artillery before it was set up. Unfortunatly, they over-extended themselves; an Austrian countercharge forced them to route.

The Austrians, advancing forward, engaged a costly firefight against the fortified Swiss soldiers. After a few units routed, the victorious Austrian cavalry launched a charge at the weak point of the Swiss line. The Austrian Infantry exploited it, their general hanging on to inspire his men. The Swiss rushed to plug the gap, with their own commander inspiring them. Eventually, however, Swiss discipline won the day, and the Austrians began to route. The Swiss commander, seeing a open space directly to the Austrian commander, launched his bodyguard at him. This was followed by a brief engagement, with the Austrian commander falling the the Swiss commander himself. The Austrians, utterly defeated, ran from the field.

But the winter took its toll on the victorious Swiss. The General was forced to retreat back to Venice to regroup and reeinforce his men. But Vienna still lies in the reach of Switzerland. With their mighty armies being destroyed on a regular basis, how long can Vienna hold out? With Napoleon leading a blitz towards the city through Moravia, the Swiss might lose the victory to France. Pride is on the line, as the Swiss hurry to regroup their army to beat Napoleon to the Danube. Who will reach Vienna first? Napoleon, or the Swiss?

(Not very well done, I know. Pictures will follow for later posts, as well as better writing skills. Comments are welcome. Thanks!)

**Nanny de Bodemloze** · March 16, 2010, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Coriantumr

The looming bankruptcy in Switzerland, truely an unthinkable crises, was averted by the rich lands around the Italian city.

I'm still chuckling at that! hehehe I love humour and irony in AARs. I've never seen the Swiss as conquerors and empire builders, but this story could make a believer out of me! Don't stop...good stuff.

cheers!

Nanny

**Coriantumr** · March 16, 2010, 01:44 PM

(Thank you, sir! Positive feedback is great, especially from a famed writer! Yeah, I was surprised by Swiss bankruptcy as well... I mean, seriously? It would be like the apocalypse to those people!)

The Battle of Vienna, 1806

Napoleon, who was at the gates of Vienna, suddenly retreated to Saxony to fight the Prussians there. This was a sign to the Swiss. Fireworks exploded in the skies of Venice as the Swiss army advanced, once again, towards Vienna. By the time they crossed the Danube, the Austrians had their best commander in charge of the all-but hopeless defense of the Austrian capital.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

As the battle opened, the Swiss calvary once again tried to swoop onto the "unprotected" Artillery. This time, however, the Austrians were smarter. Calvary charged from a small copse. Infantry popped out of the woods, fireing volleys into the brave, but kamikaze, Swiss charge.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Still, the Swiss calvary colonel thought, we can do something before we die. Spotting General Teschen in the woods, he urged his mounts forward. His last charge was rewarded tenfold.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

The Swiss calvary, shortly after that victory, was annihilated. Advancing, the shaken Austrian infantry was shot up by the more glorious and disciplined Swiss Line Infantry. The Austrians died by the droves.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

One final brave unit of Austrian infantry tried to lead a last stand charge to rally the troops, but it petered out, the unit not knowing their friends were long gone or on the field in front of them.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Thus, the battle was over. Switzerland had crushed Austrian resistance to Vienna. The city fell to Oskar the next week.

The Austrians were on their last leg. Swiss power was Mighty, and their wealth Spectacular. The rest of Austria west of Croatia and Hungary fell in the next two months.

Switzerland, now an Empire, had three options-

1. Continue into Austrian held lands, risking Russian invasion, but ignoring the Franco-Prussian War.

2. Declare was on Prussia, liberate Poland, and assisst Napoleon, defending territories from Austrian and Russian attack, then getting in a stronger position to fight Austria and Russia.

3. Invade Italy, risking French reprimands and a possible three-front war.

They chose Option 1. Prussia, sensing a decision about to be made, began to trade with Switzerland, increasing their already amazing wealth, and convincign the Swiss king that war against Prussia would be to costly (he obviously remembered the Bankruptcy Scare a year ago). Austria lies open now before the Swiss Empire, but Napoleon requires assisstance in defeating the Prussians. Will Napoleon coerce the Swiss into fighting a two front war against a trade partner? Will the Russian Bear strike in defence of what remains of their Austrian ally? Will the Ottoman Empire act against the now mortally wounded Austria? Against all odds, can Austria rally? Can the Swiss Empire hold onto their gains? Can their really be this many variables?

Only time will tell.

**LuckyLewis** · March 16, 2010, 01:59 PM

Nice Start, Chap! It's always pleasing to see another AAR. I'm quite a fan of the Swiss myself so I will be certainly following.

**Coriantumr** · March 16, 2010, 04:21 PM

(Wow. The Critics Rave... haha)

Das Größere Schweizerische Reich

Napoleons constant wheedling shows that Swiss war with Prussia is inevitable, unfortunatly. Armies mobilize in Venice, Austria, and Prague to meet the looming conflict. In the meantime, Swiss soldiers advance into Croatia and Hungary. The Austrian garrisons there are quickly overwhelmed. As is, unfortuantly, the Swiss treasury. Bankruptcy, nearly a swear word in the Swiss vocabulary, looms once again. Militias in easily defendable territories are disbanded, but this cannot go on for long. The Swiss Army of the North has not yet mobilized to invade Prussia. Desperate, the King throws a dart into a map of Europe at random...

He hits the Ottoman territories in the Balkans.

War hero Oskar is sent into the Balkans from Hungary. He forces the armed peasents there to surrender, then, leaving it in some measurable order, pushes on towards Greece. The cash-strapped Ottomans have no garrison there as well. It surrenders, and Oskar establishes the Kingdom of Greece, a Swiss attempt at protectorates, an art perfected by Napoleon. As he moves on to Istanbul, The Army of the North advances against Prussia. Silesia falls first, then Warsaw. The Poles, lucky to be in Swiss hands, are given their own country back, in return for half the money they make.

After the Polish liberation, Oskar enters Istanbul after a light skirmish against outdated Ottoman troops. Sadly, an Ottoman agent strikes Oskar down in a military parade. His replacement, Dieter, pushes against the remaining Ottoman territories in Rumania. These fall, and the Rumanian's are liberated. Austria, desperate, mounts a last stand in Transylvania, but is easily brushed away by Swiss vetrens. That territroy is given to the Rumanians, in order to fully unite their nation (And give more money to the bankers in Luzerne).

This is where things get weird.

With the Greater Swiss Empire established, a Terrifying and Spectacular land, the King (Emperor in Switzerland, King to everyone else) orders a dark, dirty agent from Prague to assassinate... Napoleon. The Balance of Power in Europe must be reestablished, say the orders. The agent tries once... and fails. He tries again... and fails. Finally, on the third try... success. Napoleon, Occupier of all Europe, lies murdered in the streets of Dresden. Other spies of the extensive Swiss Secret Service assassinate various and sundry low-ranking Prussian generals, as well as raiding trade routes, in order to slow the progress of their war effort. Stalemate and no land, is better than occupation and revoulotion, says the king. After all, their is no incentive to gain new lands. Switzerlands second Bank Crises has been averted, and the economy will stay up for good. Switzerland is pleased to rest on her laurels of Empire.

Then, out of the blue, comes Kutosov.

Just as in Luzerne they are celebrating the coronation of the Emperor, a massive Russian army in the command of Kutosov comes barreling into Silesia. The Army of the North moves to intercept. A battle will begin; a battle that will decide the fate of the Greater Swiss Empire, and, quite possibly, of Europe.

**Nanny de Bodemloze** · March 16, 2010, 04:35 PM

Taking on Russia, eh? Can't you try for somebody harder?

I'm not very good on the battlefield, so I know I'd get my a$$ completely kicked, but I can't wait to see what you do. +rep for having stones

**Nanny de Bodemloze** · March 16, 2010, 04:49 PM

--oops double post---

**Coriantumr** · March 16, 2010, 06:41 PM

(Agh, no pictures. Print Screen decided to loathe me. I don't have Fraps or anything like that. Grr... I'll try to be descriptive, though.)

Breslau, 1807

The Russian army under the command of Kutosov was located just a mile outside of Breslau, capital of the Silesian Province. Commander Anton Donner was promised aid and reeinforcements by the local militia commander, Klaus Keffer. The Swiss army, made up of the "New Swiss", namely Czech, Austrian, Venetian, and Slovakain troops, marched in an extended line against Kutosov, who rested just inside the town. Keffer's militia was charged by Kutusov's calvary, but took refuge in a building before they could be hit. Keffer, who was later knighted by the Emperor, forced Kutusov to send soldiers down to contain him. This allowed Donner's army to maneuover against the Russian artillery.

Forming an open square, the Swiss soldiers marched, the Russian horse artillery targeting the center. But, before the Russians new it, the two prongs of the square silenced their batteries. Russian calvary charges did nothing to relieve them- Swiss soldiers formed squares at the last second and repulsed them again and again. The defeat of his calvary and artillery forced Kutosov to address the forces that were now being used to flank him. Sending small groups of infantry to hold them off, he resolved to smash the center. Unfortunatly, the center proved to strong. His delaying infantry was beaten back, and he still made no progress against Keffer. Seeing his situation lost, Kutosov began a withdrawel.

The next move by Donner won him a barony.

Sticking his right flanking force in the face of the withdrawing Russians just in time, he stuck them in melee combat, with Keffer's brave militia nailing stragglers. Forming what was the center behind the Russian mob, he piled on close-range volleys into their backs. Kutosov, in the meantime, was caught in between the two lines- he was lucky to have hidden behind a house. But, his luck would not last. The left flanking force came around the side, causing a three-way bottleneck. Kutosov, surprised, tried to act, but the Swiss calvary came barreling through the middle of the bottleneck, trapping him in melee. Kutosov fell wounded, and his bodyguard was destroyed. The Russians, thinking their general dead, broke. But trapped in a murderous cross fire, they were slaughtered. Donner eventually allowed a few stragglers to escape, but the Russian infantry force did not exist as a capable fighting machine anymore.

This victory showed that the Greater Empire was here to stay. It was hailed as the "Greatest Military Battle of All Time", showing how little respect the Swiss had for the recently deceased Oskar Reichmann and his masterworks at Graz, Vienna, Budapest, and Istanbul ("A Bloody Brave Man, but Utterly to Much of a Showman", Donner said of him later). Now, it is a time to rebuild the Army of the North, and attempt to take the next target for the Empire:

Berlin.

**Coriantumr** · March 16, 2010, 10:40 PM

1807- The Prussian Collapse, the Russian Campaign, and the Begginings of the French Buyout

After the defeat of Kutosov, Russia decided to sue for peace with Switzerland. This allowed Switzerland to turn her full attention against Prussia. The Army of the South, commanded by Dieter, marched into Poland to assisst the Army of the North in its attack against Berlin.

But, the French beat them to it. Napoleon, of all people, Napoleon, who the Swiss thought was dead, lead the assault into Berlin (he was later quoted, upon being asked how he survived, as saying "Pocket watch."). But, the Swiss still got some action- Pomerania, and both Prussias fell to Swiss rule. East Prussia was awarded to the Polish, and the Swiss had defeated one member of the coalition. Britain sued for peace. The Swiss, with a surplus of money, bought Saxony from the French, secretly promising the Saxons that, as soon as peace was acheived, they would recieve their independance.

Russia, surprised and angry at the Prussian collapse, launched a campaign into Poland. Swiss-Polish forces defeated them with ease. Swiss soldiers, in late summer, then launched an assault into the Russian Motherland. Courland was liberated, the Baltic States, Minsk, and the border provinces, including Kiev, fell to the Swiss before the famous Russian winter. The Russian winter had no effect, much to the chagrin of the Russians, because the Swiss were used to the cold temperatures. By the time 1808 rolled around, Bavaria was purchased by Switzerland from France. France used this money to launch offensives into Denmark, but was defeated time and time again but Swedish-Danish forces at the gates of Copenhagen. Now, as spring thaw comes around, the Greater Swiss Empire has a decision- take Russia, then attack into Italy. The Swiss are in a position of strength greater then that of France, and even as the New Year was celebrated in Luzerne, soldiers mobilized in Prague, Munich, Dresden, Vienna, Venice, and Ingolstadt.

France was a demon that must be tamed, if Europe is to know peace. And what a better way to ensure peace, if the map was redrawn by the wisest, shrewdest men in all of Europe? Switzerland knew what was best for the continent, even if the other nations did not know what was best for themselves. The map, after the War for European Peace, would be redrawn to prevent any one nation from becoming to powerful... with exceptions...

**LuckyLewis** · March 17, 2010, 08:29 AM

Nice speed of updating sir, Keep it up.

**Coriantumr** · March 17, 2010, 09:45 AM

The Bears Last Breath, Cold War, and the Eruption

Having pushed the Russians all the way back to the few territories ringing Moscow, the Swiss waited until March. The snow melted from off the ground, and, in the mud of Russian springtime, the Swiss army advanced. Smolensk, St.Petersburg, and Novgorod fell one after another. Beograd fell in the South to a second Swiss prong, and Little Tartary was taken by Switzerlands Rumanian allies. The Russians sent Kutosov out again, but he was defeated by a more experianced, better manned Swiss army outside of Smolensk. Kutosov died, luckily, before his country fell. Dieter besieged and took Moscow two weeks after Smolensk.

The French, sensing something was up as troops began to congregate on their German territorial border, decided to pressure Switzerland. Sending Grouchy and a full banner French army, they waited just outside of Luzerne, biding their time. Donner, rushed with his army from Russia, camped just a mile from Grouchy. Subterfuge was rampant on both sides- the Swiss general staff survived by the grace off Spies attached to each army for counter-intelligence.

Finally, by May of 1808, the Swiss army was ready. Military bands played gay music as the red-coated Swiss, supported by new units of artillery and Dragoons, marched to rebuild Europe. It was met first with disaster. A French army under the command of Davout took Prague and defeated the army there. Dresden was besieged, but rescued by the small, devestated army that retreated from Prague. Berlin's French Garrison took to feinting at Dresden to distract the Swiss there from retaking Prague. The North German Front appeared to be a stalemate.

Meanwhile, on the South German Front, troops setting out from Bavaria liberated Baden, then, moving on, liberated Hesse, then, moving on, liberated Hannover. This wave of protectorates, surprisingly, was not because of monetary reasons- the Swiss had over 200 thousand Francs in their banks. This was because France couldn't send troops to Berlin and the North German Front without first defeating these fiesty German states. This is how the Swiss managed to take Berlin. The Prussians, forgetting their past wars with us, celebrated as the Swiss entered the city, and placed the King of Prussia back on his throne.

On the Swiss-Italian Front, however, there was no reason to celebrate.

By the skin of his teeth, Anton Donner defeated Grouchy outside of Luzerne. This ended the French military presence here, but the Kingdom of Italy, France's lapdog, attacked Venice and Innsbruck time after time. Venice's garrison was at one point wiped out, but the victorious Italian army there was forced to retreat as reeinforcements from Vienna arrived. Donner knew he had to take Milan if Luzerne was to be secured. Striking out with his large army, he destroyed the weak garrison the Italians had in their capital with an ambush. He then liberated the country, declaring it simply Italy, free from French rule.

For now, the war is at a ceasefire. The loss of French military power east of the Rhine has dealt a fierce blow to Napoleon, but all is not yet lost for the French. Even now, French soldiers are marching against Luzerne, the only target they have available. Switzerland, truely, could make peace now and remain the great power in Europe for all time. But, no. This is a war of Peace, and the armies of Napoleon and of Spain must be put down if the maps are to be redrawn for everlasting peace. Switzerland know's it has overextended itself- Dieter has put down two rebellions in Russia while the war has been raging. No, this is not a war of power anymore- this is the War, to End all War's.

**Coriantumr** · March 19, 2010, 08:11 AM

"What Madness Have We Unleashed on the Continent."

The victories of early 1808 were soon eclipsed by the bloody battles in the winter and then the next year. One of Switzerlands three field armies in the Western Front was destroyed trying to take Cleves. This was the first major Swiss defeat in the past three years. The Patriotic Fervor that swept through the Empire earlier in the war disappeared, replaced by nuetral thoughts as more and more young men were sent out to fight.

A new field army, mobilized in Alscae Lorraine, and commanded by Franz Salzmann, went out to liberate Belgium. Here, they were successful, and within the next two weeks, the Batavian Republic was replaced with the United Netherlands. Donner, Switzerlands best general, captured Champagne. The Swiss now directly threatened Paris. The armies approached the city, now full of old vetrens. Then, out of the blue, Napoleon slipped out of the city with an army filled with elite, vetren troops of his campaigns. Three units of the Old Guard marched with him.

Donner was called off to chase him down while Salzmann was sent to take Paris. Salzmann's army was crushed as they assaulted the fort defending the city. Salzmann himself was killed by a French Chasseur. Donner had to crush Napoleon, or the Swiss Empire would fall.

My heart saddens to see this sight

The Swiss army, banners flying and fifes playing, advanced towards the French line. The Swiss calvary moved against the artillery in the now classic Swiss move. The French, never fighting the Swiss in this large of a field battle, did not know how to respond- the Swiss calvary crushed the right wing artillery, a calvary brigade, and a Chassuer regiment before pulling out of the fight. The Swiss men advanced close, overlapping the French as they scrambled to reform their line. Then, the firefight began.

Muskets rattled as the balls flew accross the small expanse of field that seperated the two armies. Many men on both sides fell. But, the Swiss forces overlapping the French were the decisive factor- the French left was crushed bloodily. Then, Napoleon and his guard proved their personal bravery. Leading the Old Guard himself, Napoleon rushed into the Swiss center as it was advancing. One unit halted in time, and, fireing indiscriminatly, killed all of Napoleons bodyguard. Somehow, Napoleon escaped, but the Guard, shaken at seeing the slaughter and fleeing of their commander, was destroyed as they ran to join in melee. This caused a mass route of the French army. General Donner and the last remaining calvary gave chase to Napoleon, but he got away. They then, along with the rest of the Swiss army, destroyed many fleeing infantry men.

Pierre LaSalle, Colonel, 7th Regiment of Foot Guards

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Carl Heppernan, Commander, Stuttgart Armed Citizenry

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

"Commander sir!" Carl halted his ragtag unit and turned to see General Donner. Carl, an man of 56 who spotted a salt-and-pepper beard, saluted.
"General sir! It appears we missed the battle!" Donner smiled grimly. Carl saw he sabre, still in his hand, was bloody.
"What should we do then, sir? Disperse, and return home to help with the harvest?" Donner shook his head.
"No, Commander, I want you and your men to put the wounded out of their misery." Carl nodded gravely, then started his men towards the field where the shoot-out took place.
The night was coming on by the time they reached the end of the field. There was an eerie stillness, except for the occasional burst of musketry or shout as a Swiss regiment found some retreating Frenchmen. Carl and his men picked their way, first encountering a ruined artillery battery. The horses, mercifully, were dead. Same with the calvary that lay near them. But now, they reached what was the French line.
Men, some wounded, some alive, lay in straight rows as they fell. They screamed for mercy as Carl's men approached, but recieved only a cold look and a shot to the head. Some were quite alive, just with flesh wounds. It did not matter to the Citizens of Stuttgart- all were killed. Finally, reaching the other end of the battlefield, Carl and his men scaled Rochamp Hill, and looked down at the carnage.
Swiss stretcher bearers still carried away Swiss wounded, but on the French side, no one moved. Bodies were everywhere- one was in a wagon that was abandoned, still in the attitude of reloading. The Guards charge had left dense formations of corpses on the small field seperating the two main bodies. They still had grim looks of determination on their faces.
Carl, not a sentimental man, heard his soldiers being to snuffle. He even felt a tear coming on. What came next from his mouth was immortilized forever in the Swiss play Stuttgart.
"My heart saddens to see this sight. So many young men, who were brought here by the strings of honor, duty, and adventure are now lying dead on the field. They all had mothers, sweethearts, wives, some even children. They served there nations without question, and died for their causes. Old philosophers and Roman's said that this was the most glorious of deaths. I disagree, and say they can boil their heads. The most glorious of deaths is to be in bed at a good old age, surrounded by your family, knowing you have accomplished all you could. These boys, however, these boys could have accomplished much more in life. I commend their souls to heaven, and pray that, in time, all the world shall now peace, and no one shall ever again see what I see today."

Paris fell the next week to Donner.

**EmperorBatman999** · March 20, 2010, 09:41 PM

You inspired me to try Switzerland.

**Coriantumr** · March 22, 2010, 05:07 PM

An End... and a Beggining

After the fall of Paris, the French will to fight was destroyed. Swiss armies occupied the rest of historical France by 1810. Spain, frightened by the destruction of their much more powerful ally, sued for peace, but were rejected each time. By early May of 1810, Madrid had fallen. The Greater Swiss Empire, faced with continued rebellions in Russia and new threats in Spain and France, decided now was the time for the Congress on European Peace. The heads of all ruling Royal families, Napoleon included, that had been captured during the Swiss War of Peace (or Swiss War of Expansion), were hustled to Venice along with the few not in custody to begin the Congress. Borders were readjusted, of course- The Russians got Tartary back from Rumania, despite protestations, France lost Britanny to an independant kingdom, Ireland was granted independance (much to the chagrin of Great Britain), And the Italian peninsula was divided in half- Italy controlling former French lands in the north, and the Pope, Sicily, and Naples uniting in the South. Switzerland, restoring Austria, renounced all land but Venice, Tyrol, Croatia, and the homeland. The new Swiss Kingdom (Three years later, a Republic after the death of King Phillip the Conqueror) was much like the old one, neutral in all things, but now with the added option of trade with the outside world.

Peace was granted to Europe...

But not for long. In 1820, the Russians invaded Rumania, quickly subjugating them. Bulgaria revolted from the Ottomans three years later, and Prussia easily steamrolled the other Northern German states, as well as Poland. France, still under Napoleon, were locked in a thirty year war with Great Britain over Britanny, which Britain won, and Austria united with Hungary to form a dual-monarchy. Sweden, untouched by the war, was forced to give Finland to the ever hungry Russian bear. Poland, after a brief rebellion and formation of an independant Polish state in 1856, was also destroyed by Russia. Prussia, seeing their pursuits lay elsewhere, constricted the rest of the German states, forming Germany in 1872. France, under Louis Napoleon, launched another war for Britanny, which they won at a great cost of life. The victorious French then conquered and subjugated Spain, who's economy was in a horrible state after the occupation. The Two Italies then gathered allies among the victors, preparing for war against one another (Sicily, as we all know, broke away in 1897, and is still under the control of Cosa Nostra). Southern Italy (a theocracy) brought Austria-Hungary, Russia, Germany, Greece, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire to the table. Italy (a republic now), ensured the power of the victorious French Empire, the Irish, the British Republic (after the defeat of Britanny, the king was overthrown for good), the Dutch, and the Belgians. They peered at each other over complex border fortifications, until 1912.

Then, the true War to End All Wars began.

The casulties in the War for European Peace were exceeded in the first two weeks. War on an unprecedented scale tore Europe to shreds, as it was East v.s. West, tradition v.s. modernity. Switzlerand could not escape unscathed, as the mountain passes and Venice were crucial to both sides war plans.

Deiter looked up, frightened, as the artillery shells rocked the orchards near the university. He quickly closed the book, and, looking at it longingly, tossed it into the small dumbwaiter shaft that led to the basement. It would be safe there, for him to find later. As he stepped out, the tanks and men burst through the university gates. A German, in a gruff voice, turned his rifle at Dieter, and fired.

Dieter closed his eyes tight.

And when he felt nothing, he opened his eyes. He was in a crowded street in Istanbul. He tried to speak to someone, and felt a foriegn tongue roll through his mouth. He was speaking Turkish? He quickly ran off to a fountain, and looked into it.

He was a Turk. His entire body had changed. He then ran to someone and asked for the year. He got an odd look and was told 1805.

He asked if Tyrol had fallen. The person, still looking weirded out said no, that a few French attempts had been made, but nothing serious. Dieter then realized the situation-

He had gone back in time... and space. "Might as well write a new history", he thought.

EN FIN