Congratulations on choosing Russia, an Orthodox nation with lofty ambitions of greatness. However, before Russia dares to dream she must overcome tradition and open her mind to western ideas. To oversee a cultural revolution shall require an iron will, as reactionaries within Russia mobilise in opposition to widespread reform.
Untamed wilderness and expansive steppes dominate the landscape onto which Russia claims dominion. The tyranny of distance both her boon and her bane as she presides over the regions of Muscovy, Karelia, Arkhangelsk, Komi, Tatariya, Bashkiria, Astrakhan, Don Voisko, and Ukraine. While the Swedish threat looms large, Russia already finds herself embroiled in a war with the Crimean Khanate and Ottoman Empire.
At the beginning of the 18th century Russia finds herself governed by an Absolute Monarchy, with Tsar Pyotr I (Peter the Great) upon the throne. The Tsar’s court is inhabited by both the skilled and the incompetent. It is advised, for Russia’s benefit, that the government be reorganised so that the creme may rise to office. Improving the Ministry of Finance is, arguably, of the utmost importance.
Diplomatic niceties see Russia allied with Denmark and Poland-Lithuania to halt the advance of the Swedes. A profitable trade agreement also exists with Poland-Lithuania, bringing with it much needed wealth to the Russian treasury. It is expected that Sweden will continue her attempts to grow her empire, so Russia must make a decision whether to honour her alliances or stand alone. Distracted by her war with the Ottoman Empire and Crimean Khanate, and with Dagestan lurking at her borders, it is a brave Tsar indeed who decides to become involved in yet another costly war.
Endless money forms the sinews of war, so Cicero claimed, and for Russia to fund her ambitions she must improve her economy. Centuries of tradition and serfdom has made the Russian economy backwards and in need of investment. Where once Russia had a monopoly over the Fur trade the colonisation of North America has seen her dominance wane. The Russian wilderness contains much undeveloped agricultural land, and with population growth comes more taxes. Her lands also bare many mineral deposits and manufacturing industries ripe for development.
Lacking access to the Baltic or Black Seas and in hostile relationships with most of her neighbours, Russia initially lacks the means to foster economic growth through trade agreements. Apart from Sweden, who can be bribed into a trade agreement, and god only knows how long that might last, the majority of Russia’s neighbours are hostile to even her most peaceful intentions. Only through access to overseas trade and the expansion of her borders might Russia find new trade partners.
Before Russia can dare to dream of conquering her European neighbours she must first oversee a raft of military reforms. While her outdated and traditional armies are still a formidable force to some, they are a dwindling threat to the great powers of Europe. However, cultural reform does not come without a price and Russia must be careful of growing tensions within her own borders lest she experiences the turmoil of revolution.
The Streltsy will not easily abandon their long held power among the Russian people. Adept at enforcing order among the local populace, their dismantling in favour of a modernised army would see Russia burdened with worsening public order. Improvements in government repression, military garrisons, religious conversion, and public entertainment would be required to cope.
While many aspects of Russia’s newly modernised military will be of equal to those of the great powers of Western Europe her Line Infantry are of slightly inferior quality and training. Thankfully for Russia they are cheaper to train and maintain, but against superior Line Infantry they might be found wanting. However, superior training will only go so far if Russia can leverage superior numbers against her foes. Though the dastardly Swedes, always willing to make life difficult for Russia, will complicate matters with their ability to mobilise larger cavalry regiments to the fight.
Just like the construction of Rome, the Cultural Revolution within Russia will require time. As tempting as fast tracking the revolution sounds, public order within Muscovy already balances on a knife’s edge. However, a bold ruler might impose their iron will upon Muscovy or construct a school in Ukraine As clamour for reform and tensions over industrialisation rise so will public order need to be kept in check.
The Cultural Revolution shall oversee a major restructuring of Russian society, and the number of reforms to institute is numerous. Should Russia be pressed into war with Sweden perhaps military reforms should be prioritised first? While Russia’s manpower is near on endless she cannot afford for her armies to be humbled too often. However, if given the freedom to concentrate on matters within her own borders, perhaps focusing on industrial and philosophical reforms would benefit Russia the most in the long term.
With the Cultural Revolution under way, and an iron will to succeed, it is time for you to lead Russia into an age of empire. Now march forth and construct a continental empire to rival those of France, Spain and the United Kingdom! All that stands in your way as Russia is the pesky condition of her roadways.
Unless someone wants to provide some pretty pictures, I shall have to provide screenshots later as the current PC I'm playing ETW on is running it at minimum graphics. Structural, grammatical, and content suggestions welcome.
[This message has been edited by Scipii (edited 02-18-2013 @ 05:44 AM).]